<p/><br></br><p><b> About the Book </b></p></br></br>"This book is truly unique in that it is the first comprehensive book that not only provides an introduction to the foundations of human genetics, but also includes a statistical primer, theoretical models and hands-on computer applications. There are many excellent introductory books on human genetics or statistical population genetics, yet most of them are written for advanced graduate and PhD students in biology or genetics. This is in stark contrast with how genetic data is being used in research today, which is increasingly across multiple scientific and research domains. Current textbooks are generally separated into distinct topics. Many focus solely on an introduction to molecular genetics and human evolution. Others provide in-depth treatments of statistical models in this area of research or bioinformatics. Few (if any) provide hands-on computer exercises. To our knowledge there is currently no comparable book on the market that spans and actively links all of these topics. Yet it is precisely these combined and interdisciplinary skills that are now required. Another unique aspect of this book is that it is written at an accessible and introductory level to reach people from a variety of backgrounds. This book is for current and aspiring students and researchers from any empirically oriented medical, biological, behavioural or social science discipline who would like to understand the main concepts of human statistical genetic data analysis, but also practitioners looking for solutions to enter and undertake this research. It is an introductory book, written for those who do not have a strong background in molecular biology, human genetics or statistical genetics, but would like to integrate genetic data into their research. We also made a concerted effort to focus on the basic terminology and practical aspects of statistical genetic data analysis rather than the math, statistics and biology behind it. The book is divided into three interdependent parts. Part I provides the foundations including: (1) fundamental concepts and the human genome, (2) a statistical primer, (3) a primer in human evolution, (4) Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), (5) polygenic scores and genetic architecture; and, (6) gene-environment interplay. Part II delves into the practicalities of how to work with genetic data including: (7) genetic data and challenges, (8) data management I: descriptive statistics, quality control, (9) data management II: association analysis, population stratification and genetic relatedness; and, (10) creating and validating polygenic scores. Part III covers applications and advanced topics, namely: (11) polygenic score and gene-environment interaction applications, (12) applying GWAS results, (13) Mendelian Randomization and instrumental variables, (14) ethical issues; and, (15) conclusions and future directions. We also included two appendices which comprise of: Appendix 1: Software used in this book, Appendix 2: Data used in the book and a brief Glossary"--<p/><br></br><p><b> Book Synopsis </b></p></br></br><b>A comprehensive introduction to modern applied statistical genetic data analysis, accessible to those without a background in molecular biology or genetics.</b><p>Human genetic research is now relevant beyond biology, epidemiology, and the medical sciences, with applications in such fields as psychology, psychiatry, statistics, demography, sociology, and economics. With advances in computing power, the availability of data, and new techniques, it is now possible to integrate large-scale molecular genetic information into research across a broad range of topics. This book offers the first comprehensive introduction to modern applied statistical genetic data analysis that covers theory, data preparation, and analysis of molecular genetic data, with hands-on computer exercises. It is accessible to students and researchers in any empirically oriented medical, biological, or social science discipline; a background in molecular biology or genetics is not required.</p><p>The book first provides foundations for statistical genetic data analysis, including a survey of fundamental concepts, primers on statistics and human evolution, and an introduction to polygenic scores. It then covers the practicalities of working with genetic data, discussing such topics as analytical challenges and data management. Finally, the book presents applications and advanced topics, including polygenic score and gene-environment interaction applications, Mendelian Randomization and instrumental variables, and ethical issues. The software and data used in the book are freely available and can be found on the book's website.</p><p/><br></br><p><b> About the Author </b></p></br></br>Melinda C. Mills is Professor at the University of Oxford and Nuffield College, where she is also Director of the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science. <p/>Nicola Barban is Associate Professor at the Institute for Social and Economic Research at the University of Essex. <p/>Felix Tropf is Assistant Professor at École Nationale de la Statistique et de L'administration Économique (ENSAE) and Center for Research in Economics and Statistics (CREST), Paris.