PSYS 3210 A (CRN: 15609)

Psychological Science: Behavioral Genetics (A)

3 credit hours

About PSYS 3210 A

Students will gain conceptual understanding of the contributions of genes, environments, and the interplay of these and other factors, to various behaviors. Addresses variety of approaches to behavioral genetics research, including family and twin studies, animal studies, genome-wide association studies and the candidate gene approach. Prerequisite: (PSYS 2000 or PSYS 2002; PSYS 2200); or (NSCI 2105, BIOL 1400, BCOR 1400, or BCOR 1425).

Notes

Prereqs enforced by the system: (PSYS 2000 or PSYS 2002) and PSYS 2200; OR NSCI 2105, BIOL 1400, BCOR 1400, or BCOR 1425; Junior and Senior standing only PSYS and NEUR majors and minors only; PACE students by permission and override.

Section Description

Genetics play an important role in the development and expression of all behaviors. Students in this course will gain conceptual understanding of the contributions of genes, environments, and the interplay of these and other factors, to various behaviors. We will address the variety of methodological approaches to behavioral genetics research, including family and twin studies, animal studies, genome-wide association studies and the candidate gene approach. Throughout the course we will consider personality traits, IQ, basic physical behaviors, and psychiatric disorders, and students will research the genetic basis of specific behaviors of interest to them.

This course fills a Category A elective requirement for Neuroscience majors.

Section Expectation

Students will enhance their scientific understanding of the biological basis of behavior, and further develop their independent research and scientific communication proficiencies through development of writing, presentation, and discussion skills. Students should expect to spend approximately 6 hours per week on average outside of class (per University guidelines regarding work for a three credit course) on assigned reading, analysis of articles from the primary literature, and writing assignments. There is no textbook for this course.

Evaluation

Take-home tests, research paper, presentation, discussions

Important Dates

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