Unit information: Molecular Genetics in 2010/11

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Unit name Molecular Genetics
Unit code PSYC31043
Credit points 10
Level of study H/6
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1B (weeks 7 - 12)
Unit director Professor. Munafo
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None
Co-requisites

None

School/department School of Psychological Science
Faculty Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This seminar unit will furnish students with a detailed understanding of key research and controversies in the contemporary study of the molecular genetic architecture of behavioural and psychiatric phenotypes. It will also develop students critical evaluation skills and other transferable skills via the synthesis and oral presentation and discussion of research findings related to important topics in genetic research. Students will learn about the strengths, weaknesses and complementarity of diverse and emerging research technologies.

Aims:

The unit aims to develop students intellectual skills and knowledge base. Students will be furnished with a thorough understanding of contemporary issues in the subject area and will learn about the role of empirical evidence in the formation of theory. In addition, through small group teaching a number of transferable skills will be developed. Students will acquire oral presentation and group working skills through the delivery of assessed oral presentations on key topics in the research area. In addition, students will develop written and information synthesis skills, as well as critical evaluation skills, through group discussions and by producing a piece of assessed written work. This range of transferable skills is highly valued by employers and provides an excellent preparation for a range of careers and further post-graduate study

To introduce students to different methodological approaches to the study of genetics antecedents of complex behaviours, and the application of quantitative and molecular genetic technologies to a range of behavioural and psychiatric phenotypes.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit, the student will:

  • have a comprehensive understanding of the methodological approaches to the study of the genetic antecedents of complex behaviours;
  • have a comprehensive understanding of the application of these approaches to the study of specific behavioural phenotypes such as intelligence and cognition;
  • be able to integrate this understanding of these methodologies with other areas of psychological science.
  • have developed a variety of transferable skills via assessed oral presentations, discussion, team work and written assessment.

Teaching Information

This unit comprises 6 90-minute seminar sessions as well as 1 tutorial. It will be assessed on the basis of 1 piece of written work and 1 oral presentation.

Assessment Information

Summative assessment:

60% - Written assignment (maximum length 2000 words) 40% - Oral presentation

Reading and References

  • Caspi A, Moffitt TE. Gene-environment interactions in psychiatry: joining forces with neuroscience. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2006 Jul;7(7):583-90.
  • Flint J, Munafo MR. The endophenotype concept in psychiatric genetics. Psychol Med. 2007 Feb;37(2):163-80.
  • Hariri AR, Weinberger DR. Imaging genomics. Br Med Bull. 2003; 65:259-70.
  • Lykken DT. The mechanism of emergenesis. Genes Brain Behav. 2006 Jun;5(4):306-10.
  • Posthuma D, Beem AL, de Geus EJ, van Baal GC, von Hjelmborg JB, Iachine I, Boomsma DI. Theory and practice in quantitative genetics. Twin Res. 2003 Oct;6(5):361-76.

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