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MiniCourse Overview

This MiniCourse is self-paced and takes 3 to 5 hours to complete. At the end of the MiniCourse,  you will be able to define genetically diverse mouse models, the Collaborative Cross (CC) and the Diversity Outbred (DO). These two complementary multi-parent mouse model populations are actually much more powerful than human genetic studies for understanding complex traits. You will receive a certificate and digital badge for completing the MiniCourse. In order to claim a certificate or badge for this MiniCourse, you must go through the Core Content module and take the self-review quiz (scoring at least 70%).

The following topics will be discussed:

• Genetically diverse mouse models; the Collaborative Cross (CC) and the Diversity Outbred (DO)
• CC and DO breeding schemes
• Minor allele frequency in mapping studies
• Application of DO mice to study complex traits in a population study

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the MiniCourse, you will be able to:

1. Define new genetically diverse mouse models; the Collaborative Cross and the Diversity Outbred
2. Discover the usefulness of the Diversity Outbred mouse model compared to the inbred mouse model in genetically diverse population studies
3. Evaluate the breeding scheme of the Collaborative Cross and Diversity Outbred population to leverage genetic diversity
4. Analyze the relevance of the high power of minor allele frequency as an important SNP property in Diversity Outbred population studies
5. Evaluate Diversity Outbred (DO) mice as a tool for exposure threshold assessment and for identification of genetic factors that influence benzene-induced genotoxicity
6. Appraise current, relevant research highlights

Target Audience

This MiniCourse is designed to meet the needs of graduate and postdoctoral students, research assistants, scientists, lab technicians, and advanced undergraduates.

About our Education Offerings

Founded in 1929, The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with more than 2,400 employees who are passionate about our mission: to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and to empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

While we are not an accredited higher education institution, we offer a variety of education programs — including our non-credit bearing MiniCourses — designed to educate current and future scientists and to provide critical resources, data, tools and services to researchers worldwide.

MiniCourses are created and reviewed by multiple JAX faculty, scientists, educators and other experts, and include interactive content based on the live lectures delivered in our on-campus Courses, Conferences and Workshops.

MiniCourses are available to learners individually and in topical program collections, which are organized around both foundational content and the research areas in which The Jackson Laboratory has earned a reputation for scientific leadership and excellence.

Hardware and Software Requirements

• Audio speakers or headphones
• Screen resolution of 800X600 or higher
• Adobe Reader 5.0 or higher
• JavaScript enabled
• 1GB of RAM
• 2GHz processor

Check the basic computer specifications and supported browsers.

Should you have questions regarding the content of the MiniCourse or if you need technical support, please email Online and Digital Education at The Jackson Laboratory.