SLIG 2015 Offers Two DNA Educational Opportunities!

Using DNA analysis in genealogical research is becoming more popular. This is evidenced by the Salt Lake Institute offering not one, but two DNA-specific tracks in 2015. The tracks will offer something for everyone, from beginner to advanced. Based on your level of expertise, you can decide which one best fits your needs. The overviews of each course, provided below, can offer you the guidance needed to make that choice.

Debbie Parker Wayne is the course coordinator for “Getting Started with Genetic Genealogy.” As noted on the website, this “course provides genealogists with the knowledge needed to correctly incorporate DNA results into their family history. Beginners will receive foundational knowledge in the basics needed to understand the application of genetics for genealogical research purposes. Those with prior knowledge of DNA will be able fill in holes in understanding and be introduced to tools and techniques with practical, hands-on exercises.”

“This course will use real-life genetic results and family histories to demonstrate DNA inheritance patterns, how to analyze DNA test results, and how to correlate that analysis with traditional documentary research to arrive at soundly reasoned genealogical conclusions. A discussion of biology will provide baseline information needed to fully understand DNA results used for genealogical purposes without spending time on discussions more useful to biologists than genealogists. Attendees should be able to use their knowledge and current tools to analyze Y-DNA, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), autosomal DNA (atDNA), and X-DNA test results, as appropriate for any given kinship theory, as positive or negative evidence to correlate with the documentary evidence from traditional research.”

CeCe Moore and Angie Bush are the course coordinators for “Getting More Out of Genetic Genealogy Research: Intermediate to Advanced DNA Analysis Techniques.” “This advanced analysis course is intended for the genealogist who has a thorough understanding of genetic genealogy basics and has experience applying DNA testing to family history research. This is the next step in genetic genealogy education, with a focus on preparing professionals and others to accept work on genetic genealogy cases and strengthen the skills of those who are already doing so.”

“This course will examine the methods used by expert genetic genealogists to thoroughly and accurately analyze DNA testing results to advance knowledge of an individual’s genealogy. Instruction will include complex case studies that incorporate multiple types of DNA testing results, analyzed in conjunction with documentary evidence, as well as cases where DNA test results are the primary resource, such as in unknown parentage cases. Coursework will include analyzing and comparing DNA testing data from all of the companies offering products to the genealogy community with explanations and demonstrations of the most valuable features and tools for the genetic genealogist working with large amounts of data. Through active participation in and completion of this course, the genealogist will gain essential skills for integrating DNA testing with traditional genealogy research on an advanced level.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about how to apply DNA testing and analysis to your genealogical research! It promises to open up a whole new world of research possibilities.