Behavioural Genetics

Presentation

The Curricular Unit (UC) of Behavioural Genetics gives special relevance to the contribution of genes and genetic interactions in human behaviour. The study methods in behavioural genetics and their application in the establishment of relationships between genes and neural and behavioural mechanisms will be introduced and discussed.

Part of this Programme

Psychology

Level of Qualification|Semesters|ECTS

| Semestral | 5

Year | Type of course unit | Language

3 |Mandatory |Português

Code

ULHT35-7757

Recommended complementary curricular units

Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Genetics

Prerequisites and co-requisites

n/a

Professional Internship

Não

Syllabus

1. Genetics, heredity and behaviour

2. Epigenetics and behaviour

3. Behavioural genetics: definitions, objectives and implications.

4. Methods in behavioural genetics

5. Genes, environment and neural mechanisms

6. Genes, environment and impulse control

7. Genes, environment and personality development and intelligence

8. Genetic mechanisms of neuronal and cognitive deterioration

Objectives

The UC of Behavioural Genetics intends to describe the relationships between biology (biochemistry, physiology and genetics) and human behaviour. The main genetic structures and processes specialized in the individual's response to daily environmental stimuli and behaviour will be studied.

The knowledge, identification, characterization and mechanisms of genetic expression will lead to the understanding of the genetic basis / contribution of behaviour and pathologies in individuals or groups, developing, in the student, the critical ability to understand and analyze everyday behavioural phenomena.

Theoretical-practical knowledge will enable the student to understand the methods and objectives of behavioural genomics and the importance of genetic research in Psychology, relating genetics and behaviour.

Teaching methodologies and assessment

Classes will be conducted the form of seminars, with direct intervention of the students. Attendance is mandatory.

The continuous evaluation consists of: 1 test, corresponding to 65% of the final grade of the UC, and a group work (25%), in the form of a poster, and the respective presentation and oral discussion (10%).

Alternatively, the student may take a final exam.

In situations in which face-to-face classes are suspended, virtual support platforms will be used. All resources and guidelines will be made available on the Moodle platform, and this will include a discussion forum on the various topics. The requested works will also be delivered through this route. The synchronous virtual sessions will take place through the Zoom platform, whose hyperlink will be available on the Moodle platform.

References

• Knopik, V. S., Neiderhiser, J. M., deFries, J. C., & Plomin, R. (2017). Behavioral genetics (7^th ed.). Macmillan Learning. ISBN: 9781464176050

  Anholt, R. R. H., & Mackay, T. F. C. (2009). Principles of behavioral genetics. Elsevier. ISBN: 9780123725752

  Ridley, M. (2004). Nature via Nurture: Genes, Experience and What Makes Us Human. Harper Perennial. ISBN: 9781841157467

  Ridley, M. (2001). Genoma. Autobiografia de uma espécie em 23 capítulos. Colecção Ciência Aberta. Gradiva. ISBN: 9789726627722

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