The goal of the course was to teach the course participants both theory and application of methods for linkage analysis (parametric and nonparametric).

Emphasis in this course was on strategies for genetic mapping of human Mendelian and complex traits. It included theory as well as practical exercises. The exercises were carried out using a variety of computer programs (LINKAGE, GENEHUNTER, MERLIN, ALLEGRO, SIMWALK2, SLINK and SUPERLINK, etc.) and with pencil and paper.

TOPICS included: parametric methods (two-point and multipoint analysis); allele sharing (nonparametric) methods for sib-pairs and extended families (two-point and multipoint analysis); variance components analysis; homozygosity mapping; fine mapping; linkage admixture (heterogeneity); haplotype reconstruction; data quality control; sample size estimation (extended families [simulation studies] and sib-pairs) and estimating empirical p-values.

Organisers: Suzanne Leal (Baylor College of Medicine) and Michael Nothnagel (Kiel University & Max Delbrück Center)