evolution and genetics 1

This introductory course focuses on basic genetic terms and methods, providing a broad overview of their application in understanding inherited components of human characteristics, such as personality and childhood disorders.

Does behavior have a genetic influence?
What is the extent of genetic influence on behavior?
How do scientists identify the genes related to behavior?
If genes affect behavior, how significant is the role of the environment?
What are the ethical considerations surrounding the identification of genetic influences on behavior?
Students are encouraged to maintain an open mind and set aside personal beliefs regarding the causes of human behaviors, as the course aims to promote a scientific attitude.

Genetic research methods will be covered, including:
- Allele and genotype frequency analysis.
- Case-control association studies.
- Dimensional association studies, including buccal swabs for genetic sampling.

The written examination will assess material from lectures, supplemented by prior knowledge from textbooks and additional readings.
Resources available on the course platform (Canvas) include course outlines, readings, and lecture notes.

Origin of the term "Nature-Nurture" can be traced back to Shakespeare in "The Tempest," where inherent qualities are seen as immutable regardless of environmental influences: "A devil, a born devil..."
This concept led to the view that some people are destined by their birth traits, which cannot be significantly altered by environmental factors.

In the 19th century, John Stuart Mill argued against genetic determinism, emphasizing the crucial role of the environment in shaping individuality.

Advocates like Henry Herbert Goddard argued that intelligence is largely predetermined by genetics and minimally influenced by later experiences.
This viewpoint maintains that genetic factors give each individual a unique set of characteristics, minimally altered by environment.

Behaviorist John B. Watson claimed that individuals are blank slates, shaped entirely by environmental experiences.
He believed that conditioning through environment could override any genetic predispositions.

Genetic factors contribute to behavior but do not entirely predetermine it. The significance of both genetic heritage and environmental influence is acknowledged.
Genetic influences can be viewed as risk factors rather than determinants of behavior.
The course will explore methods that highlight heredity, followed by identifying specific genes involved in certain behavioral patterns.

Twin and adoption studies will be used to measure heritability and the influence of shared environments.
Molecular genetics will be applied to pinpoint specific genes related to behavioral traits.

An interdisciplinary field that merges genetic methods and research to understand individual differences in both human and animal behavior, including:
- Psychiatric genetics
- Psychopharmacogenetics
- Psychogenetic association studies.

The first adoption study by Leonard Heston in 1966 demonstrated that children of schizophrenia-affected mothers, whether adopted or not, had similar risks for developing the disorder, highlighting the significance of genetic factors.
Twin studies suggest heritability estimates of approximately 80% for various traits and disorders.

Research by Caspi et al. (2003) indicates how genetic variation can moderate the impact of stressful life events on depression and suicide risk.

The consensus recognizes that both genetics and environment are fundamentally important, with ongoing exploration of their interactions.
Key focus areas in behavioral genetics include advances in identifying genetic influences and environmental factors impacting behaviors.

Textbook: Preface, Chapter 1, page 76, Box 5.1.
Article: Caspi, A. et al., 2003. "Influence of Life Stress on Depression: Moderation by a Polymorphism in the 5-HTT Gene." Science, July 18, 2003, 386-389.