Assignment One

Course: MEB 723-Genetic Epidemiology

Due date: 10th March 2023
Currently, the understanding of disease causation is based on the multifactorial model
of disease causation. The model demonstrates that disease occurrence is based on the
interrelationship between different factors that broadly fall under environmental,
behavioral and biological factors which include one’s genetic make-up.
a) Using two diseases of your choice, one infectious and the other non-
communicable, demonstrate the interaction of the three in each disease
respectively.
b) Discuss the implication of not considering the genetic component of disease
causation.
c) How can public health make use of the interaction between one’s genetic make
up and the environment?

Guidelines:
 You are required to be specific in terms of what genetic variants are involved in
the diseases you choose to discuss. For example, in the case of malaria, the
sickle cell trait is cited and in the case of lung cancer, alpha 1 antitrypsin
deficiency is mentioned. Marks will be awarded based on how specific you are
about such variants.
 You need to have at least three pages for your discussion.
 Use 12-point font size and Arial style.
 Your work should have at least 10 references.
 Use Harvard style of referencing.
 Pay particular attention to grammar, punctuation, formatting and layout of
your work.
 Handwritten assignments are encouraged.
 Should I receive work that is clearly copied from another, both will be penalized.
 Submit hard copies to the following address
o Tembo Novan, Public Health Department, School of Medicine and Health
Sciences, Bauleni Campus, University of Lusaka.