Statistical Methods in Genetic Epidemiology

Genetic epidemiology is a field of science focused on the study of how genetic factors influence human traits, such as human health and disease. In many cases, the interaction of genes with the environment is also measured. Focusing on studies that require DNA, this chapter first introduces basic terminology, major study designs, and the two major types of analyses – linkage and association analysis. Second, we summarize recent methodological developments related to genome-wide association studies, sequencing studies, and multiomic data integration. Potential clinical applications, which are also topics of genetic epidemiology (and public health genomics), are not a focus of this chapter. Finally, we provide some general conclusions and take a look into the future.