Developmental & Behavioural Genetics

This course focuses on the genetics and molecular, biology of development and behaviour in higher, organisms. We will examine the molecular, processes, by which genes govern the development of a, complex, multi-cellular organism from a, single-cell zygote, considering such topics as, morphogenesis, pattern formation, cellular, differentiation, cell communication,, establishment, of neural networks, and neural plasticity., Insight, will be drawn from studies of model organisms, such, as C. elegans, Drosophila, Arabidopsis, the, zebrafish, and the mouse. We will also consider, the molecular basis of behaviour, beginning with, simple, well-defined paradigms such as locomotion, and olfaction, and expanding the scope to discuss, the possible role of genes in complex human, traits, such as intelligence, learning and memory, and, social and sexual behaviour. Students will be, encouraged to consider the ethical implications, of, research in such areas. This course may be, credited towards Psychology.