Welcome to the 4th annual Summer Institute in Statistical Genetics offered by the Department of Statistics at North Carolina State University from May 26 through June 11, 1999.
A series of three-day workshops designed to introduce geneticists to modern methods of statistical analysis and to introduce statisticians to quantitative problems arising in modern genetics. The workshops will be held on the campus of NC State University. Prerequisites are minimal, and the modular nature of the Institute will enable participants to devise a program to suit their background and interests.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are offered for the modules attended. CEUs are awarded as 1.8 continuing education units per module.
There is a one-time, non-refundable application fee of $25 per person regardless of how many modules are requested. Each module has a tuition fee of $300. Graduate students and postdoctoral students may apply for scholarships to offset some of the tuition costs and provide some travel assistance (see Application Procedure below). Fees cover tuition, course notes, textbooks, breaks and lunches.
A small number of tuition and/or travel scholarships are available for students (undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral). Applications should be received by March 31, 1999 and should consist of a letter to explain the reason for interest in the Institute, a one-page CV, and a letter from the student's major advisor.
On and off-campus housing is available. Hotel rates are listed below; reservations should be made directly with the hotel.
Brownestone Hotel, 1707 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh NC 27605 (half-mile from campus)
Rates: Single Room: $69 per night Double: $79 per night (includes full breakfast buffet)
For reservations, call:
1-800-331-7919 (in NC) 1-800-237-0772 (outside NC)
Velvet Cloak Inn, 1505 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh NC 27605 (3/4 mile from campus)
Rates: Single Room: $69 per night Double $79 per night
For reservations, call:
1-800-662-8829 (inside NC) 1-800-334-4372 (outside NC)
Refer to the Summer Institute when making reservations. Both hotels are within walking distance to the University and the Summer Institute.
Room rate: $36 per night University Towers is a private dormitory, within 5 minutes walking distance to the Summer Institute. It is located on Friendly Drive, which is directly off Hillsborough Street. Parking is available free-of-charge and there is someone at the front desk 24-hours a day. Each room is air- conditioned and accommodates two people; every two rooms share a bath. The facility has a lounge on each floor, and a coin-operated laundry, exercise room, and outdoor pool. University Towers also has a cafeteria, which provides breakfasts and dinners Monday through Friday for a minimal fee; meal tickets can be purchased at the front desk (lunches are already included in the module fee and will be provided during your participation in the Summer Institute). Linens will be provided and are changed weekly. For on-campus room reservations, please check the box on the application form or contact Debra Hibbard at the address below.
Dr. Bruce S. Weir
William Neal Reynolds Professor of Statistics and Genetics
Program in Statistical Genetics, Department of Statistics
NC State University
Dr. Christopher Basten
Research Associate Statistician
Program in Statistical Genetics, Department of Statistics
NC State University
Debra Hibbard
Program in Statistical Genetics
Department of Statistics
NC State University
Faculty involved in the instructional program include:
Dr. Christopher J. Basten, Research Associate Statistician
Program in Statistical Genetics, Department of Statistics, NC State University
Dr. Roger L. Berger, Professor
Department of Statistics, NC State University
Dr. Dennis D. Boos, Professor of Statistics
Department of Statistics, N.C. State University
Dr. John C. Brocklebank, Manager, Analytic Solutions
SAS Institute Inc.
Cary, NC
Dr. John Buckleton, Science Leader
ESR, New Zealand
Dr. Edward S. Buckler III, Assistant Professor
Department of Genetics, NC State University
Dr. James M. Curran, Postdoctoral Fellow
Program in Statistical Genetics, Department of Statistics, NC State University
Dr. Marie Davidian, Professor
Department of Statistics, NC State University
Dr. Rebecca Doerge, Assistant Professor
Department of Statistics
Purdue University
Dr. Ted H. Emigh, Associate Professor
Department of Genetics, NC State University
Dr. James Fry, Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
Utah State University
Dr. Brandon S. Gaut, Assistant Professor
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of California, Irvine
Dr. Sujit K. Ghosh, Assistant Professor
Department of Statistics, NC State University
Dr. Jotun J. Hein, Associate Professor
University of Aarhus, Denmark
Dr. Ina Hoeschele, Professor of Genetics
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Dr. Jacqueline Hughes-Oliver, Assistant Professor
Department of Statistics, NC State University
Dr. Lynn B. Jorde, Professor and Associate Chairman
Department of Human Genetics
University of Utah
Dr. Peter Keightley, Royal Society University Research Fellow
Institute for Cell, Animal and Population Biology
University of Edinburgh
Dr. Thomas B. Kepler, Associate Professor
Department of Statistics, NC State University
Dr. Charles E. Lawrence, Chief, Biometrics Laboratory
Wadsworth Center
New York State Department of Health
Dr. Paul O. Lewis, Assistant Professor
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
The University of Connecticut
Dr. Trudy F. C. Mackay, William Neal Reynolds Professor of Genetics
Department of Genetics, NC State University
Dr. Eden R. Martin, Associate in Medicine
Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Genetics
Duke University
Dr. Lauren M. McIntyre, Assistant Research Professor
Duke University Medical Center
Dr. Spencer V. Muse, Assistant Professor
Program in Statistical Genetics, Department of Statistics, NC State University
Dr. Ian S. Painter, Research Scientist
Talaria Inc.
Seattle WA
Dr. Michael D. Purugganan, Assistant Professor
Department of Genetics, NC State University
Dr. Katy L. Simonsen, Assistant Professor
Department of Statistics
Purdue University
Dr. Jeffrey L. Thorne, Assistant Professor
Program in Statistical Genetics, Department of Statistics, NC State University
Dr. Marta L. Wayne, Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
University of Florida
Dr. Bruce S. Weir, William Neal Reynolds Professor of Statistics and Genetics
Program in Statistical Genetics, Department of Statistics, NC State University
Dr. Brian Yandell, Professor
Department of Statistics
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Dr. Zhao-Bang Zeng, Research Associate Professor of Statistics
Program in Statistical Genetics, Department of Statistics, NC State University
Space will be limited in each module, with no guarantees of availability for applications received later than March 31, 1998. A fee of $25 must accompany all applications. This fee is not refundable, unless space is not available. The balance of tuition fees are due by the beginning of each module. Take advantage of $50 discount if full payment received prior to April 30, 1999. Payment can be made by institutional purchase order, cash, or by check or money order drawn on a US bank and made payable to "North Carolina State University." VISA and Mastercard credit cards are also accepted; please see application for details.
Applications should be sent to:
Ms Debra HibbardModule 1. Genetics for Statisticians. ($300)
Instructors: T. H. Emigh and M. D. Purugganan
Dates: May 26, 27, 28
Syllabus: This module is targeted at statisticians and covers Mendel's laws, DNA as genetic
material, the central dogma, organization and transmission of nuclear and cytoplasmic genomes,
and mutation. Techniques for detecting and characterizing allelic variation, especially at the
DNA level via restriction enzymes and PCR will be described. Laboratory visits are included.
The module serves as a foundation for all later modules, except modules 2, 3, and 4.
Text: Gonick and Wheelis, "The Cartoon Guide to Genetics," Harper.
Module 2. Statistics for Geneticists I ($300)
Instructors: D. D. Boos and J. Hughes-Oliver
Dates: May 26, 27, 28
Syllabus: This module covers the laws of probability and the basic probability distributions:
binomial, multinomial and normal. Methods of inference include maximum likelihood,
confidence intervals, numerical resampling, exact and permutation tests, and chi-square tests.
Software developed by the instructors is used to illustrate the methods taught. The module
serves as a foundation for all later modules, except module 3.
Text: Gonick and Smith, "The Cartoon Guide to Statistics," Harper.
Module 3. Forensic and Paternity Data Analysis ($300)
Instructors: J. Buckleton and B. S. Weir
Dates: May 26, 27, 28
Syllabus: This module is aimed at a specialist audience, although some evolutionary biologists
have taken it in previous years because it covers several population genetic topics. There is a
growing use of DNA profiles for identification by seed companies and wildlife protection
agencies, for example. It covers Bayes' theorem, genotype probabilities for one and two
individuals, interpretation of matching genetic profiles from one or more contributors, paternity
index calculations, and the effects of relatives and population structure. It is designed to stand
alone, but can also be taken in conjunction with any of the other modules.
Text: Evett and Weir, "Interpreting DNA Evidence," Sinauer
Module 4. Statistics for Geneticists II. ($300)
Instructors: M. Davidian and T. B. Kepler
Dates: May 26, 27, 28
Syllabus: This module is designed especially as a foundation for the quantitative genetics and
QTL mapping modules. It covers regression, analysis of variance and variance components and
can either be taken as a first module or following module 2. The material covered is assumed in
modules 6, 8, 10, 13.
Text: Gonick and Smith, "The Cartoon Guide to Statistics," Harper.
Module 5. Population Genetic Data Analysis ($300)
Instructors: B. S. Weir, P. O. Lewis, I. S. Painter
Dates: May 30, 31, June 1
Syllabus: This module covers estimation of allele frequencies, inferences about disequilibrium
and population structure, linkage estimation and linkage disequilibrium mapping. Participants
will gain experience with the GDA software package, designed to accompany the text and
written by P. O. Lewis and D. Zaykin. Lewis and Zaykin will teach the computer labs for these
modules. Assumes the material in Modules 1 and 2.
Text: Weir "Genetic Data Analysis II," Sinauer.
Module 6. Principles of Quantitative Genetics ($300)
Instructors: T. F. C. Mackay, P. Keightley, and J. Fry
Dates: May 30, 31, June 1
Syllabus: This module covers quantitative trait models, variances and covariances of relatives,
estimation of variance components, response to selection and the effects of mutation. The
module can stand alone but the material covered is necessary for modules 9, 10,
and 13. Assumes the material in modules 1, 2, and 4.
Text: Falconer and Mackay, "Introduction to Quantitative Genetics (4th Edition)," Longman.
Module 7. Population Genetic Data Analysis (duplicates Module 5) ($300)
Instructors: B. S. Weir, P. O. Lewis, I. S. Painter
Dates: June 2, 3, 4
Syllabus: This module covers estimation of allele frequencies, inferences about disequilibrium
and population structure, linkage estimation and linkage disequilibrium mapping. Participants
will gain experience with the GDA software package, designed to accompany the text and
written by P. O. Lewis and D. Zaykin. Lewis and Zaykin will teach the computer labs for these
modules. Assumes the material in Modules 1 and 2.
Text: B.S. Weir "Genetic Data Analysis II," Sinauer.
Module 8: Quantitative Trait Gene Mapping I
Instructors: Z-B. Zeng, C. J. Basten, and R. Doerge
Dates: June 2, 3, 4
Syllabus: This module covers linkage map construction, single-marker analyses, multiple and
partial regression methods, internval and composite-interval mapping. Attention is paid to
determining significance levels. Participants will use Zeng and Basten's QTL-
CARTOGRAPHER computer package. Assumes the material in modules 1, 2, 4, and 6.
Text: Lynch and Walsh, "Genetics and Analysis of Quantitative Traits," Sinauer.
Module 9: Human Disease Gene Mapping
Instructors: L. B. Jorde, E. R. Martin, B. S. Weir, J. C. Brocklebank
Dates: June 6, 7, 8
Syllabus: This module covers both the statistical aspects of tests such as case-control
comparisons, the TDT test and the population-genetic models that lead to association.
Extensions to quantitative traits are covered. Data mining. Assumes the material in modules 1
and 2. Modules 5 or 7 would be helpful but not necessary.
Text: Weir, "Genetic Data Analysis," Sinauer.
Module 10: Quantitative Trait Gene Mapping I (duplicates Module 8)
Instructors: Z-B. Zeng, C. J. Basten, B. Yandell and R. Doerge
Dates: June 6, 7, 8
Syllabus: This module covers linkage map construction, single-marker analyses, multiple and
partial regression methods, interval and composite-interval mapping. Attention is paid to
determining significance levels. Participants will use Zeng and Basten's QTL-
CARTOGRAPHER computer package. Assumes the material in modules 1, 2, 4, and 6.
Text: Lynch and Walsh, "Genetics and Analysis of Quantitative Traits," Sinauer.
Module 11: Molecular Evolution
Instructors: J. L. Thorne, S. V. Muse, B. S. Gaut, K. L. Simonsen, M. L. Wayne
June 6, 7, 8
Syllabus: This module gives an overview of methods for studying evolution with DNA and
protein sequence data. Statistical methodology is emphasized and computational algorithms and
software implementations will also be introduced. Module topics include: phylogeny
reconstruction, molecular evolution, and molecular population genetics. Software tutorials will
be interwoven throughout the module. An evening session gives students the opportunity to seek
assistance in analyzing their own data as well as the chance to pursue the topics in evolution that
most interest them. Assumes the material in modules 1 and 2. Material in modules 5 or 7 would
be helpful, but not necessary.
Text: Li, "Molecular Evolution," Sinauer.
Module 12: Quantitative Trait Gene Mapping II
Instructors: Z-B Zeng, C. J. Basten, B. Yandell and I. Hoeschele
June 9, 10, 11
Syllabus: This second QTL module is designed for participants with stronger statistical skills.
Epistatic models and the application of Bayesian methods will be covered. Use of software for
multiple interval mapping technique, with inclusion of epistatic interactions among multiple
QTLs. Assumes the material in modules 1, 2, 4 and 9 or 10.
Text: Lynch and Walsh, "Genetics and Analysis of Quantitative Traits," Sinauer.
Module 13: Bioinformatics
Instructors: S. V. Muse, J. L. Thorne, J. J. Hein, C. E. Lawrence
June 9, 10, 11
Syllabus: This module will cover alignment, database searching, and protein structure. Assumes materials in modules 1 and 2.
Text: Durbin, Eddy, Krogh and Mitchison, "Biological Sequence Analysis," Cambridge
University Press.
Each day will contain four instructional periods:
| Period I | 8:30 a.m. -- 10:00 a.m. |
| Break | 10:00 a.m. -- 10:30 a.m. |
| Period II | 10:30 a.m. -- 12:00 Noon |
| LUNCH | 12:00 Noon -- 1:30 p.m. |
| Period III | 1:30 p.m. -- 3:00 p.m. |
| Break | 3:00 p.m. -- 3:30 p.m. |
| Period IV | 3:30 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m. |
Enquiries should be addressed to Dr B.S. Weir at the same address as Ms Hibbard, or to weir@stat.ncsu.edu. For further information about the Program in Statistical Genetics at NC State University, please see our web page (http://stat.ncsu.edu/).
A text version of the application form is available. It can be printed, filled out and faxed back to us according to the instructions on the application.