01:447:484 Behavioral and Neural Genetics

Prerequisites

Genetics 01:447:380 or Genetic Analysis I 01:447:384 and General Biology Lab 01:119:117

Methods of molecular biology are highly recommended. Statistics is also highly recommended.

Course Description

Using molecular and mouse genetics (genetically modified mice) in research on behavior, memory and neuron function with an emphasis on the contemporary methods and new discoveries in neuroscience.

The class will be held in person.

Departmental Learning Goals

Course Syllabus 

Spring 2024 Syllabus (Spring 2025 will be updated soon)

Course Learning Goals

• To understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling learning, memory and behavior. To understand how these mechanisms can go wrong in mental disorders, and how mouse models can help to understand these disorders, such as depression, postpartum depression, drug addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism, Alzheimer’s and others.
• To understand how the balance between nature (genes) and nurture (environment and epigenetics) shapes behavior of animals and humans.
• To be able to read and discuss peer-reviewed original research neuroscience articles published in scientific journals.

Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy

To understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling learning, memory and behavior. To understand how these mechanisms can go wrong in mental disorders, and how mouse models can help to understand these disorders, such as depression, postpartum depression, drug addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism, Alzheimer’s and others. To understand how the balance between nature (genes) and nurture (environment and epigenetics) shapes behavior of animals and humans. To be able to read and discuss peer-reviewed original research neuroscience articles published in scientific journals.

Course Materials

• Principles of Neural Science, by Kandel, et al. Sixth Edition (2021), (ISBN 9781259642234) – recommended.

• Original research articles posted on Canvas website material - Required.

Course Closed?

There is no wait list for this course. Please continue to monitor WebReg for openings.  Please contact the Genetics Undergraduate Office (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), if you have any questions or concerns.

Faculty

Gleb P. Shumyatsky
Life Sciences Building 322, Busch Campus
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.