Special Topics Course: Neurogenetics and Behavior, NEURL-UA 302.002
Instructor: Margarita Kaplow email: mkaplow@nyu.edu
Meeting Time: Monday and Wednesday, 12:30pm-1:45 am – TBD
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 2:00pm-3:00pm - Meyer 630 or by appointment
Prerequisites: Molecular and Cellular Biology I, INTRONS
Course Objective:
Understanding the relationship between genes and behavior will be the primary goal of this course. Students will learn both classic and contemporary genetic tools that are utilized by researchers to study behaviors such as courtship, addiction, memory, sleep and aggressive behavior. The course will focus on learning model systems (fruit flies, nematodes, zebrafish, and mice) amenable to genetic manipulation. The course will also discuss the relationship among genetics, development, and neural circuitry. Through analyzing and presenting primary scientific articles, students will communicate their understanding of neurogenetics. Students will examine research topics that are at the forefront in the field of neurogenetics and behavior.
Learning Outcomes:
1) To understand the relevance of genetics in studying complex and simple behavior.
2) To master critical and analytical skills through the evaluation and critique of scientific literature.
3) To learn current genetic techniques applied by scientists to study behavior, neural development and circuitry.
4) To gain a comprehensive understanding of a specialized topic in Neurogenetics and Behavior through investigation of scientific literature.
5) To articulate the significance of neurogenetics and behavior to the general public through science writing and oral presentations.
Grading and Evaluation
Oral paper presentation- 20%
In Class Assignments and Homework Assignments -30%
Lab Results and Write up- 25%
Grant panel project- 25 %
Oral presentation- Students will be assigned one scientific article that they will individually present to the class. Presentation will encompass evaluating figures of the scientific article and discussing the significance of the scientific paper. Students will critique the presentation of their peers. The format of the presentation will be discussed in detail during class. Homework assignments will be based of papers we read in class. Students are expected to read the paper presented by their peers.
Homework- You will be assigned seven homework assignments based on the research papers that we cover throughout the semester. Homework questions are meant as individual assignments and replace quizzes. We will discuss answers to homework during class time. Some homework assignment questions will also pertain to lecture material covered during class time.
In class assignments- Throughout the semester, if there is time, we will have some class assignments will replace homework assignments. “In-class assignments” will be group work. Student work together on a problem set and will present their answers to the class.
Grant panel project/ Final group project- Your final project will be collaborative, and you will be assigned to a group of three to four students for the assignment. The group assignment will be a “mock” grant panel discussion/presentation. We will use some class time to prepare for grant panel discussion.
Lab Write Up/Report- You will be required to submit two lab reports for the two lab assignments for Neurogenetics and Behavior (neural development and innate behavior). We will discuss lab results for the entire class after the two labs are completed prior to the lab report. We will discuss the structure of lab write ups in more detail during class time. The rubric and structure of lab reports will also be available as a separate document on NYU Brightspace.
Attendance and Participation- Active participation is essential for enriching the learning environment of class. Questions, comments, critiques are welcome in the classroom. Attendance is very important since there are many assignments that are completed during class time. Please inform the instructor when you know of a scheduling conflict. Contact and notify the professor ahead of time if you will be absent form class.
Required reading:
There will be no required textbook for this course. I will provide review articles and primary research articles on NYU Brightspace which you will be required to read before class.
· Intimidated by scientific journal articles? Note the first two weeks of lecture will be dedicated to C.R.E.A.T.E (Consider, Read, Elucidate the hypotheses, Analyze and interpret the data, and Think of the next Experiment), a novel pedagogical method for teaching undergraduates the process of analyzing scientific papers.
New York University and Course Policy:
Plagiarism and Cheating: Please adhere to the NYU’s policy on plagiarism and cheating. Plagiarism will be reported to the Associate Dean of Students. Please use citations and references when you write. There are many great software programs out there such as Endnote or Zotero to help you with citations. Homework s
Disability Disclosure Statement: Academic accommodations are available for students with disabilities. The Moses Center website is www.nyu.edu/csd. Please contact the Moses Center for Students with Disabilities (212-998-4980 or mosescsd@nyu.edu) for further information. Students who are requesting academic accommodations are advised to reach out to the Moses Center as early as possible in the semester for assistance.