Statistics in Human Genetics

Covers topics that include the estimation of allele frequencies, the testing for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, classical and complex segregation analysis, linkage analysis for Mendelian and complex diseases and quantitative traits, the detection of allelic associations, the estimation of heritability for multifactorial traits and path analysis.

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In human genetic research, sophisticated statistical methods are increasingly being used to analyse results. Until now there has been no book to introduce and explain these methods. The methods are based on both biology and statistics and are likely to contribute to major scientific and medical advances in the next century. Topics include the estimation of allele frequencies, the testing for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, classical and complex segregation analysis, linkage analysis for Mendelian and complex diseases and quantitative traits, the detection of allelic associations, the estimation of heritability for multifactorial traits and path analysis. An understanding of elementary statistical concepts is assumed, but the objectives, principles and limitations of the methods are discussed in detail. The book will interest scientists engaged in human genetic research and advanced students of genetics and statistics.