Statistics (Double Degree with the University of Bologna) BSc/LSc
Statistical Genetics STATS4074
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Mathematics and Statistics
- Credits: 10
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course introduces students to applications of probability and statistics in the field of modern genetics.
Timetable
2 1-hour lectures per week for 10 weeks
4 1-hour tutorials
Excluded Courses
STATS5011
Assessment
Examination (100%)
Main Assessment In: April/May
Course Aims
to introduce some of the applications of probability and statistics in the field of genetics;
to provide applications of approaches to inference using likelihood in a variety of genetics setting;
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ describe basic notions of genetics;
■ prove, test and apply Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and explain departures from it;
■ estimate gene frequencies, using a variety of methods, including the EM algorithm;
■ apply Bayes' theorem in order to solve problems in genetic counselling;
■ explain and use the coalescent process, as derived from the Wright-Fisher dynamics;
■ explain how the presence of recombination affects models of ancestry;
■ estimate evolutionary parameters using models of ancestry.