At the Stockport Campus of UK Biobank, the focus is on advanced biomedical research training and data science programs tailored for health researchers, geneticists, and epidemiologists. These courses leverage the vast UK Biobank dataset, comprising genetic, lifestyle, and health information from over 500,000 participants, to provide hands-on education in large-scale cohort studies.
- Introduction to Biobanking and Cohort Studies: This foundational course explores the principles of biobanking, ethical considerations in data collection, and the design of longitudinal health studies. Participants learn about participant recruitment strategies, data privacy under GDPR, and the integration of multi-omics data.
- Genomic Data Analysis: Delve into genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using UK Biobank's imputed genetic data. The curriculum covers variant calling, polygenic risk scores, and bioinformatics tools like PLINK and R for analyzing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their links to diseases such as cardiovascular conditions and cancers.
- Epidemiology and Public Health Applications: This program teaches statistical methods for epidemiological research, including survival analysis, regression modeling, and causal inference. Students apply these to UK Biobank data to investigate environmental factors influencing health outcomes like diabetes and mental health disorders.
- Imaging and Phenotyping Techniques: Hands-on training in MRI, DEXA, and ultrasound imaging analysis from UK Biobank's extensive imaging dataset. Courses cover image processing with tools like FSL and SPM, focusing on brain structure, body composition, and their correlations with lifestyle variables.
- Machine Learning in Health Research: Advanced modules on applying AI and machine learning algorithms to predict disease risk using multimodal data. Topics include deep learning for electronic health records integration and ethical AI in precision medicine.
- Advanced Statistical Computing: Specialized in programming for big data, using Python, R, and Julia to handle terabyte-scale datasets. Emphasis on reproducible research practices and cloud computing with AWS for scalable analyses.
These courses are designed for interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering skills in translational research from bench to bedside. Participants engage in real-world projects, such as modeling aging trajectories or pharmacogenomics, supported by expert faculty and access to secure computing environments. The program culminates in capstone projects where learners develop novel hypotheses using UK Biobank resources, contributing to global health advancements. With a blend of theoretical lectures, practical workshops, and seminars from leading scientists, the Stockport Campus equips researchers to tackle pressing challenges in personalized medicine, population health, and beyond. Enrollment is open to academics, clinicians, and industry professionals, with certifications recognized internationally.
