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GENETICS 650

FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS OF BRAIN DISORDERS

3 credits.

Functional genomics methods (RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, Hi-C, ChIP-seq, Tag, etc.) and their applications in the study of molecular and cellular mechanisms governing brain development, evolution, and neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Overview of relevant aspects of Genetics and Neuroscience, including genomic approaches for gene discovery for human disorders and key properties of brain cells and circuit development. Bioinformatic approaches for analyzing genome-scale data sets. Critical consideration of experimental design and analysis strategies through reading and discussion of primary research literature and the development of an original research proposal. Emphasis will be placed upon how to effectively communicate science (written and oral).

Prerequisites & course information

Requisites: GENETICS 466 , 468 , BIOCORE 383 , PSYCH/ZOOLOGY 523 , or graduate/professional standing Course Designation: Core GenEd - Natural Science & Wellness Breadth - Biological Science Level - Advanced L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Spring 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Recognize potential strengths, limitations, and assumptions of published scientific studies. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Describe the genomics tools used to study brain development and disorders, including how these tools are run and how to interpret the results they generate. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 3. Summarize current studies in genomics, brain development, evolution, and neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders from primary scientific literature. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 4. Design a research project that utilizes functional genomics approaches to interrogate fundamental questions of brain disorders, development, evolution, and function. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 5. Evaluate the strengths, limitations, and assumptions of published and proposed research studies, including methods, results, conclusions, and context of the field. Audience: Graduate 6. Critique study design and interpretation and communicate critiques in a constructive manner. Audience: Graduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Recognize potential strengths, limitations, and assumptions of published scientific studies. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Describe the genomics tools used to study brain development and disorders, including how these tools are run and how to interpret the results they generate. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 3. Summarize current studies in genomics, brain development, evolution, and neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders from primary scientific literature. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 4. Design a research project that utilizes functional genomics approaches to interrogate fundamental questions of brain disorders, development, evolution, and function. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 5. Evaluate the strengths, limitations, and assumptions of published and proposed research studies, including methods, results, conclusions, and context of the field. Audience: Graduate 6. Critique study design and interpretation and communicate critiques in a constructive manner. Audience: Graduate

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