Methods for estimating heritability and investigating the genetic architecture of complex traits, focusing on the heritability and genetic architecture of human psychiatric disorders and substance use and dependence. This includes identifying genetic variants that contribute to disorder liability, integrating whole genome and transcriptome data, understanding gene-gene and gene-by-environment interactions, and testing how these factors influence risk prediction. Selection and adaptation. Identifying quantitative and molecular signatures of selection, both recent positive selection and purifying selection. This uses statistical genetic approaches with genome-wide marker data to infer patterns of selection throughout the genome.
keywords
Quantitative & Statistical Genetics
Teaching
courses taught
EBIO 3080 - Evolutionary Biology
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Lect. and lab. Emphasizes the fundamental evolutionary concepts that provide explanations for the diversification of life on Earth. Specific topics include the evidence for evolution, adaptation by natural selection, speciation, systematics, molecular and genome evolution, and macroevolutionary patterns and processes. Recitations allow students to explore specific topics in more depth and smaller groups. Recommended prerequisites: EBIO 1210 and EBIO 1220 (minimum grade C-). Degree credit not granted for this course and EBIO 3680.
EBIO 4270 - Population Genetics
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2023
Provides an in-depth applied introduction to population genetics. Lectures, discussions and labs will focus on exploring how evolutionary processes shape genetic variation through time and space and how population-level evolutionary processes can be inferred from patterns of genetic variation. While learning basic population genetic theory we will investigate current topics in the field and work with simulated and real data. Same as EBIO 5270.
EBIO 4700 - Quantitative Genetics
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2024
Explores how the differences at the DNA level impact variability within and among individuals, and how that variation is shaped by interactions with environments. Quantitative genetics covers a range of topics, but in this course we will focus on the methods and approaches to investigate complex traits, those influenced by many genes and environmental factors, emphasizing the evolutionary forces that shape variation. We will analyze real genetic data (human, plant, mouse, etc.), and prepare our findings as written manuscripts or oral presentations. Some familiarity with basic genetic principles is assumed. Previously offered as a special topics course. Same as EBIO 5700.
EBIO 4800 - Critical Thinking in Biology
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2022
Lect. and discussion. Explores controversial issues, historical themes, or emerging developments in biology. Consult the EBIO Undergraduate Advising Center for current listings. May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours. Recommended prerequisite: minimum of 14 hours of EBIO course work. Same as EBIO 5800.
EBIO 5270 - Population Genetics
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2023
Provides an in-depth introduction to population genetics. Lectures, discussions and labs will focus on exploring how evolutionary processes shape genetic variation through time and space and how population-level evolutionary processes can be inferred from patterns of genetic variation. While learning basic population genetic theory we will investigate current topics in the field and work with simulated and real data. Same as EBIO 4270.
EBIO 5700 - Quantitative Genetics
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2024
Explores how the differences at the DNA level impact variability within and among individuals, and how that variation is shaped by interactions with environments. Quantitative genetics covers a range of topics, but in this course we will focus on the methods and approaches to investigate complex traits, those influenced by many genes and environmental factors, emphasizing the evolutionary forces that shape variation. We will analyze real genetic data (human, plant, mouse, etc.), and prepare our findings as written manuscripts or oral presentations. Some familiarity with basic genetic principles is assumed. Previously offered as a special topics course. Same as EBIO 4700.
EBIO 5800 - Critical Thinking in Biology
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2020 / Spring 2022
Lect. and discussion. Explores controversial issues, historical themes, or emerging developments in biology. Consult the EBIO Undergraduate Advising Center for current listings. May be repeated up to 12 total credit hours. Recommended prerequisite: minimum of 14 hours of EBIO course work. Same as EBIO 4800.
