BIONB 4310 - [Genes and Behavior]

(BIO-AS, PBS-AS)

Spring. Not offered: 2022-2023. Next offered: 2024-2025. 3 credits. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: BIONB 2220. Offered in odd-numbered years only.

J.R. Fetcho.

Our genes influence how we behave. This lecture course explores the current understanding of how genes influence the behavior of a variety of animals, including humans. Topics include the genetic basis of hearing, movement, learning, memory, intelligence, sexual behavior, aggression, sleep, and diseases of behavior. The focus is on the unprecedented insight that modern molecular and genetic tools are providing into the genetic basis of behavior.

Outcome 1: To understand the tools used to identify genes that affect behavior.

Outcome 2: To understand at an experimental and conceptual level the classic examples of genes that affect behaviors such as learning and memory, social behaviors, and circadian rhythms.

Outcome 3: To understand the genetic and neuronal substrates for behavioral disorders such as Alzheimer’s, anxiety and depression.

Outcome 4: To be able to design experimental strategies to both identify genes affecting behavior and bridge the gap between the genes and behavior by tying the genes to alterations in neurons and networks.

Outcome 5: To critically analyze experiments that claim to tie genes to neurons and behavior to identify problems with experimental design and interpretation and to gain an appreciation for the differences between strong and weak experiments and evidence.