Cross-listed with CBMG699K, CHEM608K, and ENTM699K. Credit will be grant edfor only one of the following: BIOL608K, CBMG699K, CHEM608K, or ENTM699K.

Credit only granted for BSCI360 and BIOL708B.

Study of animal behavior with emphasis on its evolution and function. Topics include genetic basis of behavior, communication, aggression, foraging, cooperation, mate selection, and relevance for conservation.

Credit only granted for BSCI339J, BSCI405, or BIOL709C.

Genetic variation within a population provides the basis for future evolution as well as a record of past evolution. The genomics revolution provides data on this variation that, together with mathematical models, allow us to read this record to reconstruct evolutionary trajectories. Examples will focus on hominin and pathogen evolution. In the lab, students will use models to explore how genetic variation (allele frequencies) chagnes over time and space.

Credit only granted for BSCI339W, BSCI381, or BIOL709W.

The brain generates a tremendous variety of behaviors, but how it achieves these feats remains largely unknown. Genetics and molecular tools yield fundamental insights into how the brain senses its environment and determines an appropriate course of action. This course will describe modern genetic manipulations (eg, CRISPR editing) and neuronal interventions (e. g., optogenetics), and discuss the quantification of behavioral outputs. Course consists of lectures plus readings and group discussionsof primary scientific literature.