Certificates

Certificate in Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology

Certificates

Certificate in Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology

Program Overview

The variety and amount of genetic and molecular data generated by novel laboratory techniques continues to accelerate, and these data are increasingly integrated into epidemiologic research. The Certificate in Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology (GME) at Rollins prepares students to assess, manage, and analyze these data in the context of scientific and public health utilities. Through coursework, an applied practice experience, and an integrative learning experience, GME students will gain mastery of study design, data analysis, and interpretation of results pertaining to the use of genetic and molecular data in research and public health programming.  

Certificate Competencies

  1. Describe how knowledge of the genetic and molecular basis for human diseases can be applied in public health research and practice. Describe the importance of genetic epidemiology and molecular epidemiology to public health.
  2. Identify key principles and methods for biological sample collection, including informed consent, sample handling, and biobanking (e.g., chain of custody, quality assurance, use of samples and data).
  3. Describe how genetic and molecular data are generated, including basic knowledge of current laboratory technologies. Describe the latest technologies in molecular and genomic data generation used to investigate disease, pathogenesis, and normal variation of traits. Identify potential sources of error and bias from technical and biological artifacts.
  4. Recognize how molecular biology, biomarkers, and genetics can be incorporated into the design, analysis, and interpretation of epidemiological studies, including integration of findings from other genetic/molecular studies.
  5. Describe the major genetic epidemiologic research study designs and their advantages and limitations. Apply knowledge of inheritance to understanding the genetic architecture of diseases and health conditions.
  6. Describe the major molecular epidemiologic research study designs and their advantages and limitations.
  7. Justify the roles of epidemiologists, clinicians, basic scientists, bioinformaticists, and statisticians in the design, analysis, and interpretation of epidemiological studies that incorporate genetic and molecular data.
  8. Describe the ways that genetic and molecular tests are currently deployed in public health practice.
  9. Interpret and critique published epidemiologic research studies that include genetic and molecular data, including the design and analysis of validation studies (for biomarkers) and/or replication studies (for genetic association studies). Demonstrate the ability to explain, both orally and in writing, the findings and implications of molecular and genetic epidemiologic studies.
  10. Describe the legal, ethical, and social issues that may be associated with the collection and application of genetic and genomic information and molecular biomarkers.
  11. Gain experience managing and analyzing genetic and molecular data. 

Curriculum

Additional Requirements

The student’s applied practice experience should be relevant to genetic or molecular epidemiology and will be approved by the certificate director. 

The thesis or capstone project should include relevance to genetic or molecular epidemiology and ideally will include analysis or manipulation of genetic or molecular data.  

Students are likely to work with one of the core GME faculty on their thesis/capstone as an advisor or co-advisor. Students intending to get a GME certificate must have their concept paper or other initial proposal approved by the certificate director. 

Field experiences are not required but attendance is encouraged. These are designed to show students the data-generating machines, data processing, and use of genetic and molecular data in public health practice in site.  

Field experiences may include a tour of the Georgia Department of Public Health lab on Clairmont Road, a tour of the Emory Genetics lab and/or the Emory Integrated Genomics Core lab, and a tour of a lab at the CDC. 

Admissions

All Rollins MPH and MSPH students are eligible for this certificate. Students who are interested in the GME certificate should enroll for the pre-requisite 1-credit seminar course, EPI 510, in their first fall semester. Students may apply for the certificate between August 15 and September 15 and will be notified of acceptance by September 30.   

Apply Here

Contact

Get in Touch:

Certificate Director
Contact Name

Yan Sun

Contact Email
yan.v.sun@emory.edu
Certificate Coordinator
Contact Name

Brenda Hardy