2006 Statistical Genetics Short Course

featuring Mendel

What:

This five full-day intensive course will cover state-of-the-art statistical genetics methods for detection of genetic loci for complex traits, either qualitative or quantitative. Each day will include hands-on computer exercises using statistical genetics computer programs, especially Mendel, SimWalk, and FBAT. We will cover the general theory behind the methods as well as emphasize the practical aspects needed to give the best chances of success.

Topics will include:

Participants in the Course need no prior experience with these methods or programs, but should be "computer literate".

Participants will be required to bring a laptop computer to run the analysis exercises. Please see below for the minimum computer system requirements.

When:

Monday, 21 August 2006 - Friday, 25 August 2006

(Check-in is after 4 PM on Sunday, 20 August and check-out by 11 AM on Saturday, 26 August.)

We will also organize some optional extra-curricular events, e.g., a trip to the Getty Art Museum.

Who:

The Course is designed to assist people who are actively studying the genetics of complex traits. The Course will cover both theoretical and practical gene mapping issues and will stress the interpretation of results.

The Course instructors will be faculty from the UCLA Department of Human Genetics:

  1. Kenneth Lange
  2. Steve Horvath
  3. Jeanette Papp
  4. Janet Sinsheimer
  5. Chiara Sabatti
  6. Eric Sobel

Where:

DeNeve Plaza at UCLA, Los Angeles CA

Room (single occupancy) and board (cafeteria-style) will be provided in this newly built conference facility.

How:

To apply send the following items (in a text, Word, or PDF document) to statgene@mednet.ucla.edu :

  1. Your résumé (with current position and contact information).
  2. A short description of the statistical genetics projects you are or will be working on (particularly the amount and type of data involved).
  3. If you are a student, a letter of recommendation from your main faculty advisor.

Price including room (single occupancy) and board (cafeteria-style) from dinner on 20 August through lunch on 26 August, but not including any transportation costs:

For students from non-profit institutions: $1000
For others from non-profit institutions: $1500
For people from for-profit institutions: $2500
For UCLA staff and students,
includes all meals but no housing:		 $ 600

We are currently reviewing applications and enrolling participants. However, we will continue to accept applications as long as space is available. Notice of acceptance or denial will be sent out no later than one week after application submission. Full payment is required no later than one week after acceptance.

Laptop Requirements:

Participants will be required to bring a laptop computer on which to run the analysis exercises. This laptop must meet the following minimum system requirements.

256 MB RAM
200 MB available storage space (i.e., free hard disk space)
CD-ROM
USB
Windows (2000 or XP) or MacOS (10.2 or later, and PPC) or Linux (Red Hat 7.3 or later, or equivalent)


Undergraduate and Master's Student

Introductory Session

Saturday and Sunday, August 19 - 20, 2006


We will also hold a two-day introductory session, "Introduction to Gene Mapping of Complex Traits", for competitive undergraduate and Master's students to attend before participating in the general session.

Accepted students will receive a full scholarship for both sessions of the course, which includes room and board, as well as a travel allowance.

Applicants for this student session must be US citizens or permanent residents; proof of status may be required. Students from disadvantaged and underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

To apply for this two-day introductory session, follow the application procedure listed above for the general session. Also send a cover letter stating your wish to apply to both sessions and include your qualifications for this introductory session.