Abstract

This course covers the fundamental developments in Mendelian randomization and gives practical explanations about how to apply MR to applied research questions. This in person course will cover: one-sample, two-sample, pleiotropy robust methods, within family and drug target MR. Each method will be explained with applied examples, along with the recommended sensitivity analyses, validation, and specification tests to assess the plausibility of MR analysis. The course provides pre-readings and recorded lectures and aims to get students up to speed on how to undertake and publish high-quality Mendelian randomization studies. 

Abstract

A wide range of disciplines, including epidemiology, psychiatry, and the biomedical sciences, increasingly use genetic and molecular data to study the determinants of health and disease. Making valid inferences from these data is challenging, requiring careful attention to study design, data quality, population structure, and interpretation. Molecular epidemiology provides a framework for integrating genomic and molecular measurements into population-based research to address these challenges.

This course covers core concepts and methods in molecular epidemiology, with practical guidance on their application to real research questions. Topics include genotyping and sequencing data, quality control and imputation, genome-wide association studies, polygenic scores, heritability estimation, and functional annotation using eQTL and pQTL resources. Emphasis is placed on critical interpretation, reproducible workflows, and the limitations of current approaches.

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This course is for non-clinically qualified staff (e.g. assistant psychologists, dementia workers) supporting family carers of people with dementia, or qualified psychologists/service managers who want training to set up, deliver or oversee START delivery in their service/organisation.

The course includes: 

1 full day training session including 6 hours of training delivered by UCL clinical team on the 14th January 2026. 

4 x 2-hour accreditation sessions delivered over 1.5 days by UCL clinical team on the 21st and 23rd of January 2026. 

+ Course and delivery materials. 

Note: Staff intending to deliver START sessions are advised to sign up to the entire course (training + accreditation sessions). Senior qualified/service managers staff may wish to join the training session only. 

Please see the "More Information Tab" or the link below