PSY4305B – Genetics in Cognitive Neuroscience
Course description
Course content
The course gives and introduction to the role of genetic variation in cognition and brain function. Genetic variation refers to molecular differences between individuals including single nucleotide polymorphisms and aggregates of these, as well as differences in gene expression and epigenetic profiles. Focus will be on the genetic underpinnings of attention, cognitive control, general cognitive abilities, as well as learning and memory. Contributions from genetics of cognitive neuroscience to the understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders such as psychosis and dementia will also be discussed. The course includes a practical seminar on genetic association analysis. Ethical aspects of the use of genetic information in research will be emphasized throughout the course.
Learning outcome
The course aims to familiarize the students with central conceptual and methodological topics at the front of the field, and will provide the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with standard tools for genetic association analysis.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Overlapping courses
5 credits overlap with PSY4305 – Genetics of Cognitive Neuroscience (discontinued)
Teaching
6 lectures á 2h, plus 4 tutorial seminars á 2h.
A list of suggested readings will be provided to guide students in their self-studies.
Examination
Review paper on a topic within genetics of cognitive neuroscience, to be chosen by the candidate. The paper will be graded.
Written examination
The written examination is conducted in the digital examination system Inspera. You will need to familiarize yourself with the digital examination arrangements in Inspera.
Read more about written examinations using Inspera.
Submit assignments in Inspera
You submit your assignment in the digital examination system Inspera. Read more about how to submit assignments in Inspera.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
The deadline to request an explanation is one week after the grade is published. For oral and practical examinations, the deadline is immediately after you have received your grade.
The explanation should normally be given within two weeks after you have asked for it. The examiner decides whether the explanation is to be given in writing or verbally.
Ask for explanation of your grade in this course
Resit an examination
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.