Sharon Browning, Elizabeth Thompson and Sujit Ghosh. This module addresses probability and statistics concepts that are used in the analysis of molecular genetic data. Topics include multivariate discrete probability, probabilities on pedigrees, Markov chains, and Bayesian statistical inference. The module can stand alone but the material covered is necessary for understanding modules 10 and 12 . The course will be split evenly between lecture and computer lab.
Attention is paid to determining significance levels.
Statistical methodology is emphasized, and computational algorithms and software implementations will also be introduced. Phylogeny reconstruction and sequence alignment. 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.