Teaching

GS 560 - Introduction to Statistical Genomics - Spring 2024

The data-intensive nature of the  21st-century biology makes it important for scientists to have a basic proficiency in statistics.  Whether it is thousands of gene expression levels as measured by a RNA-Seq, millions of polymorphisms that have been genotyped in a case-control study or more general questions of how to properly design an experiment, you will constantly be confronted with  how to collect, analyze and interpret data. This course provides the key statistical concepts and methods necessary for extracting biological insights from data.

A common misconception about "doing"  statistics is that it is useful only for analyzing data after an experiment has been performed.  In fact, statistical methods are an  integral part of designing experiments as well.  How small of an effect size do you want to be able to detect?  What sample size will you need?  What is the power of your experiment?

Course Website.

GS 475 - Debates In Genetics - Spring 2024

Covering topics concerning open debates in the field of genetics, this course is debate focused with multiple modules covering key topics, primary literature, and sources for students to begin their own research into these topics. The overall goal is that each student will learn

• to locate relevant scientific information,

• to evaluate critically the validity of the data, and

• to assemble the information into a cogent argument to support a position on a current issue in genetics.

Students who complete the course will have the skills to evaluate other controversial topics with a similarly factual, critical approach.

Course Website.