Genetics of Human Behavior (308-0-20)
Instructors
Marco Gallio
847/491-8303
Cook Hall
Meeting Info
Annenberg Hall G01: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Overview of class
In this course we will delve into the genetic determinants of human behavior. We
will discuss how "nature" (the genetic makeup) and "nurture" contribute to shape
individual behavior and explore the implications of this interaction at the level of
society, from philosophical and ethical aspects to medical and legal considerations.
We will often follow a historical perspective to understand how our thinking on this
subject has changed with the advancement of scientific knowledge and with the
evolution of what we think is acceptable in society. The class content will be
strongly anchored in basic science: we will first learn concepts of both classical and
modern genetics and neurogenetics (with emphasis on human genetics). We will
then talk about how genes can determine or influence behavior: we will discuss how
genes build neural circuits and how brain circuits in turn produce behavior (often
using animal models as examples). Starting from primary research and reviews,
students will be asked to discuss relevant topics in this area including the genetics of
aggression, parental behavior, social behavior, predisposition to mental illness or
disease etc. Assessment will be based on a combination of quizzes, in class
presentations and a final essay based on original literature research. This is an upper-
level course where you will utilize a lot of what you have learned in the past few
years: molecular biology, intro neuroscience, anatomy, physiology...
Graduate students will be expected to propose, research and deliver an
additional lecture. Their final review will be expected to be more substantial
covering a larger body of primary scientific literature
Registration Requirements
Prerequisite: NEUROSCI 202-0 or NEUROSCI 311-0 or BIOL_SCI 302-0
Learning Objectives
Students are expected to develop a sophisticated view of important genetic concepts such as
genotype/phenotype, genotype/environment interactions, genetic risk, penetrance/expressivity,
epigenetics, etc. in particular as they apply to human behavior in both the normal and diseased
state. Students are also expected to have fun discussing all the relevant implications to what it
means to be humans and to function as a society. This class is expected to foster the development
of new ideas and deeper thinking across disciplines.
MW Post-class quizzes: help evaluate understanding of class content and readings (basic
science, human genetics)
MW Post-class write ups: help evaluate understanding of primary literature and promotes
engagement in Thursday discussion
Thursday Journal club: by students and following discussion helps evaluate high-level understanding of
the subject and engagement with class content, ability for critical assessment of scientific
literature
Final week: individual "blitz" presentations demonstrate ability to research a subject starting
from scientific literature and make a case that the chosen topic for review is interesting and fits
with the scope of the class. Ability to present scientific content to peers.
Final review paper: demonstrates mastery of the subject, ability to critically evaluate a body of
scientific literature and discuss broad implication in written form. Ability to do independent
research, synthesize the results and produce high level written content.
Evaluation Method
Participation 15%
Short quizzes and write ups 25%
In class Journal Club presentation 25%
Final essay/paper 35%
Graduate students will be expected to propose, research and deliver an
additional lecture. Their final review will be expected to be more substantial
covering a larger body of primary scientific literature
Class Materials (Required)
Requires reading of a number of chapters from the book "She has her mother's laugh" by Carl
Zimmer. A topical scientific paper is assigned weekly and is read by the students in preparation
for the Thursday class discussion. Additional material is available for guided self-study for students
that have a less rounded background in molecular genetics and is made available through the
CANVAS site of the class.
Class Materials (Suggested)
None.
Associated Classes
DIS - Technological Institute LG66: Thurs 5:00PM - 6:50PM