The Genetic Data Analysis Toolbox microcredential supports researchers and graduate students across Canada who are seeking to build foundational and applied skills in genetic data analysis.
This not-for-credit microcredential introduces essential tools and concepts used in genetic association studies, with a focus on developing practical skills for analyzing complex genomic datasets using modern computational methods. As genomics continues to transform biomedical research, health sciences, and biotechnology, the Genetic Data Analysis Toolbox supports learners in building relevant skills aligned with current data-intensive research and industry practices.
Learners are provided a focused entry point for those looking to apply analytical methods to genetic data in academic, clinical, or applied research settings. This microcredential includes exposure to contemporary software such as PLINK, MAGMA, and GRAF-pop, alongside an introduction to genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and population genetics methods. Learners gain practical experience working with real-world datasets, preparing you to contribute to interdisciplinary projects across health, life sciences, and data-driven industries.
Learners receive a U of T DSI branded microcredential in genetic analytics that can be listed on a resume or their LinkedIn to complement their academic or professional experience
Learners may be graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, or research professionals from a variety of fields, including health sciences, life sciences, biomedical research, or biotechnology. The microcredential is designed for learners who are seeking to develop applied skills in genetic data analysis and who are working with, or plan to work with, genetic or genomic datasets in academic, clinical, or applied research settings.
Learners are expected to have some familiarity with R and should be familiar with some key concepts in statistical inference (see the pre-requisites section below).
This microcredential is designed for learners who have:
The Genetic Data Analysis Toolbox microcredential provides learners with foundational skills to analyze and interpret genetic data, an area of growing importance across academic, clinical, and industry settings. Understanding and applying methods in genetic association studies is critical to identifying genetic risk factors, improving disease prediction models, and contributing to precision medicine. By equipping learners with the skills to conduct rigorous, reproducible analyses of genetic data, this microcredential supports the development of competencies that are increasingly sought in both research and applied health sectors. Real-world data applications and modern toolsets prepare learners for meaningful work in statistical genetics and genetic epidemiology across both academic and applied career pathways.
This microcredential provides learners with the knowledge foundations necessary to conduct statistical analysis of genetic association study data. It features a series of lectures and hands-on coding sessions covering key topics, including fundamental concepts in population genetics, population structure in genetic association studies, quality control in genetic data and genome-wide association studies. The microcredential places strong emphasis on the use of modern computational tools such as PLINK, MAGMA and GRAF-pop, and real-world data applications to preparing learners for both academic and applied careers in statistical genetics and genetic epidemiology.
Learning outcomes: By the end of this microcredential, learners will be able to:
Session 1 – 3:
Session 4 – 6:
Session 7 – 9:
Session 10 – 12:
The classes are offered live, online.
Evaluation: Completion of this microcredential is evaluated based on whether a learner has achieved its learning outcomes via successful completion of assignments.
The cost of the microcredential is $950 CDN.
The DSI is pleased to offer this microcredential to Data Science and Machine Learning Software Foundations learners, and STAGE trainees and mentors for a subsidized price of $825 CDN.
Yes, the Genetic Data Analysis Toolbox microcredential is eligible for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). You must first register and pay for the microcredential and then apply for OSAP.
Visit the University of Toronto Registrar Office's websitefor eligibility and information on how to apply.
For the OSAP form
For the U of T Supplemental application form:
Please note that the Data Sciences Institute does not manage the OSAP process.
Trainees must obtain approval from your supervisor before registering for this microcredential.
Within four to six weeks of successful completion, you will receive your microcredential badge indicating achievement of the outlined learning outcomes and competencies/skills. Microcredentials are tamper proof, verifiable, blockchain-based and 100% digital. They can be included on your resume and shared on social media, such as LinkedIn and Facebook.
The Data Sciences Institute is a University of Toronto hub and incubator for data science research, training, and partnerships. The DSI’s mission is to provide leadership and capacity to catalyze the transformative nature of data sciences across a broad range of disciplines.
I don’t have any experience in data science or statistics. Can I take this microcredential?
Some prior experience is helpful, but you don’t need to be an expert. Learners should have a basic comfort level with R and be familiar with a few core ideas in statistics. If you’ve worked with R to clean data, make simple plots, or run basic analyses, and you know the fundamentals of probability, distributions, and regression, you’ll be prepared to succeed in the microcredential.
Does this microcredential include a faculty lecture?
Yes! This microcredential includes the opportunity to learn from a leading faculty expert. The lecture component provides learners with important insights into the academic and applied world of statistical genetics.
What happens if I unexpectedly miss an online class?
A recording can be available for you upon request.
Do you issue tax receipts?
Yes. Learners receive the T2202 Tuition and Enrolment Certificate. T2202 forms are issued based on the year when the microcredential is completed, not the year when payment was made.
What is the policy for cancellation and refund?
Learners may withdraw from the microcredential at any time by requesting withdrawal via email.
Learners are only eligible for a refund if the withdrawal request is received at least twenty-five (25) working business days before the start date. We issue refunds in the original method of payment and to the original payee only. Include your payment receipt when you request a refund.
Refunds are subject to a seventy-five (75) Canadian Dollars administrative charge per microcredential. Refunds are not possible if your request is submitted less than twenty-five (25) working business days before the start date. All cancellation requests must be made by email to courses.dsi@utoronto.ca.
What is the time commitment involved?
Learners must attend synchronous sessions for about 5 hours per week. These sessions will have homework and assessments designed to create opportunities to apply newly learned skills and to assess learning.
Due to the nature and pace of the microcredential, it is important that learners attend the sessions and complete assessments on time. New topics are introduced weekly, so learners must be able to engage fully.
