Learning Goals for Psychology 458: Behavioral Genetics
Sean O’Donnell
Course Learning Goals:To develop a knowledge base of methods employed in analyzing genetic effects on behavioral variation, and to develop skills in critically analyzing and assessing behavioral genetic data (assessed by midterm and final exams).
To become familiar with some major research areas in behavior where genetic analyses have had strong impact (assessed by midterm and final exams).
To develop scientific writing skills by writing short guided analyses of assigned scientific articles (assessed by several short papers of approximately 3 pages each.).
To learn to read, analyze and summarize the primary scientific literature (assessed by several short papers of approximately 3 pages each. These are the same papers mentioned above with scientific writing skills.).
To learn to follow linked chains of inquiry in the scientific literature, especially by using the Science Citation Index database. You will identify and write about papers of your choosing that cite an assigned article (assessed by several short papers of approximately 3 pages each. These are the same papers mentioned above with scientific writing skills.).
To question, discuss and analyze complex scientific concepts and findings (assessed by in-class participation, particularly during discussions about assigned papers).