Human Genetics

Genetic Epidemiology is the field that examines how genetic factors, in combination with environmental influences, affect the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations. It integrates principles from genetics, epidemiology, statistics, and molecular biology to identify genetic risk factors, estimate heritability, and understand how variations in DNA contribute to complex traits and disease susceptibility. Researchers employ techniques such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS), linkage analysis, population-based cohort studies, and family-based studies to uncover genes associated with conditions including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Insights from genetic epidemiology inform public health initiatives, preventive medicine, personalized therapy, and risk prediction models, enabling more targeted healthcare interventions. By combining population-level data with molecular genetics, this field enhances understanding of disease mechanisms, guides evidence-based clinical and public health strategies, and advances precision medicine, ultimately improving health outcomes and enabling proactive disease prevention through genetic insight.