Genomic Prediction Modelling (with hands-on training)

Aim: We will cover the basic principles of genomic prediction, including the assumptions of a range of frequently used models, the relationship between them, and proper validation of the outcomes. Focus is on use in animal and plant breeding, and examples are from both domains. Lectures and hands-on practicals will be centred around the following themes:

• From GWAS to SNPBLUP and GBLUP
• Model and prediction validation
• Handling real data with fixed effects, replicates, families, environments, using BLUEs/BLUPs or deregressed proofs, etc.
• Extending models with additional random effects (i.e. to model SNP features, non-additive, environmental and GxE effects, or other omics effects)
• Single-step genomic evaluations (extending SNPBLUP and GBLUP to analyse simultaneously genotyped and ungenotyped individuals)
• Bayesian versus BLUP models
• Variance component estimation using pedigree and genotype data

Approach: Each half day (mornings and afternoons) will contain one block of lectures, teaching the background and theory, and one block of hands-on training. The hands-on training will be using datasets that will be made available during the course.

General Information

Target Group	PhDs and postdocs, practitioners in genetic evaluations & animal breeding researchers.
Course level	in-depth, post graduate
Group size	A minimum of 20 and a maximum of 40. Registrations will be handled on a first come, first served basis.
Course duration	December 7th (noon) – December 11th (noon),
Prior knowledge	Basic understanding of genomic prediction and breeding programs
Home work/ self- study	Practicals if they are not completed during the set time.
Language	English
Credit points	1.5
Course content coordinator	Mario Calus
Trainers	Prof. Luc Janss (Aarhus University) Prof. Ismo Strandén
Venue	Wageningen University Campus

Fee (includes study and training material, coffee/tea and lunches)

1) Reduced fee: PhD candidates of Wageningen University doing a Training and Supervision Plan (TSP)	€300
2) University fee: All other PhD candidates / postdocs and staff of Wageningen University	€600
Others	€900

Cancellation condition

You may cancel free of charge up to 1 month before the start of the course. After this date you will be charged with the University fee, unless: 

• You can find someone to replace you in the course and supply the course coordinator with the name and contact information of your replacement. In this case you will be charged a €50,- cancellation fee.
• You are a PhD of Wageningen University with a valid reason to cancel (illness or death in the family 1st or 2nd degree). In this case you will be charged the reduced fee and your supervisor/PI must send a mail indication the reason for cancellation.

Note: WUR PhD candidates have priority. If the course is fully booked,  PhDs from other universities will be invited to join the course based on registration date.

Information: For more information please contact: mario.calus@wur.nl