Introduction to Human Behavioral Genetics

Unit #1 provides an overview to the field of human behavioral genetics and to this course. We will begin by discussing the early history of the field and how behavioral genetic research influenced and was influenced by the eugenics movement.

In Unit #2 the twin study method will be introduced and general findings from twin studies in psychology and psychiatry will be reviewed. The two types of twins, monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ), will be described and methods for assessing their similarity will be given.

Some of the most contentious issues in behavioral genetics surround the concept of heritability. In this unit we will discuss what is meant by heritability and describe some simple biometric methods used for its estimation.

The Human Genome Project has revolutionized our understanding of genetics. This week's lectures provide an introduction to molecular biology and the HGP, covering DNA, gene structure, and genetic variations.

This unit focuses on genetic research for behavioral phenotypes, specifically schizophrenia. The lectures cover clinical phenotype, epidemiology, and various genetic research approaches.

This unit explores behavioral genetic research on intelligence or general cognitive ability (GCA). Topics include the definition of intelligence, twin and adoption studies, and genetic research on intellectual disability.

This unit examines the impact of age on biometric estimates and developmental patterns in behavioral genetics, including gene-environment correlation and family socialization.

The final unit summarizes human behavioral genetic research through four general 'laws' and explores applications in genomic medicine and implications for personal responsibility.