AVAILABLE NOW
The book is available in a more cost-friendly paperback and is also available for rental as an e-book
ABOUT THE BOOK
Human genetic research is now relevant beyond biology, epidemiology, and the medical sciences, with applications in such fields as psychology, psychiatry, statistics, demography, sociology, and economics. With advances in computing power, the availability of data, and new techniques, it is now possible to integrate large-scale molecular genetic information into research across a broad range of topics. This book offers the first comprehensive introduction to modern applied statistical genetic data analysis that covers theory, data preparation, and analysis of molecular genetic data, with hands-on computer exercises.
It is accessible to students and researchers in any empirically oriented medical, biological, or social science discipline; a background in molecular biology or genetics is not required.
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The book first provides foundations for statistical genetic data analysis, including a survey of fundamental concepts, primers on statistics and human evolution, and an introduction to polygenic scores. It then covers the practicalities of working with genetic data, discussing such topics as analytical challenges and data management. Finally, the book presents applications and advanced topics, including polygenic score and gene-environment interaction applications, Mendelian Randomization and instrumental variables, and ethical issues. The software and data used in the book are freely available and can be found on the book's website.
WHAT THE EXPERTS ARE SAYING
"I am regularly asked to recommend a book that provides a comprehensive overview of statistical genetics methods using accessible language with clear applications to important research questions. Look no further. Mills, Barban, and Tropf provide a superb example of such a book with An Introduction to Statistical Genetic Data Analysis."
JASON BOARDMAN Professor of Sociology and Health & Society Program Director at the Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado at Boulder
"Want to run some statistical analysis of the torrent of genetic data that is pouring into science these days? An Introduction to Statistical Genetic Data Analysis is required reading for you. Mills, Barban, and Tropf walk the reader through the basics of what a gene is and march onto advanced data analysis techniques, providing plenty of compelling examples along the way."
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DALTON CONLEY Henry Putnam University Professor in Sociology, Princeton University
and author of The Genome Factor
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"It is increasingly clear that genetics is not just important for diseases. It contributes to many aspects of human behavior and characteristics. This book is most valuable for those whose basic training was not in statistical genetics, but are starting to incorporate genetic data into their investigations."
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AUGUSTINE KONG Professor of Statistical Genetics, University of Oxford
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"Contemporary genetic data offers many opportunities, and this book is easily the best available introduction. What is marvelous about the book is how comprehensive and sophisticated it is while remaining clear throughout. The way the book weaves together its explanations with software examples makes it a perfect companion for anyone wanting to better understand what these methods have to offer and how a researcher can actually use them."
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JEREMY FREESE Stanford University
Contact
If you have any comments about the book, things you would like to see in the future or on this webpage, please contact us at: melinda.mills [at] nuffield.ox.ac.uk
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