An Introduction to Behavior Genetics / Edition 1

by Terence J. Bazzett

Overview

This book introduces concepts from the field of behavior genetics at a level readily comprehended by upper-division undergraduates, or graduate students from a variety of disciplines including Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, Anthropology and Sociology.

The text begins with a brief introduction to the field of behavior genetics, including some historical insight. Subsequent chapters build a basic understanding of genetics, beginning with the molecular structure of DNA and how it is organized into genes that then direct protein structure and function. Readers are then guided into an explanation of how genes may directly influence the neurons from which behaviors originate. One chapter is dedicated to describing methods used in the discovery process of basic genetic research.

Having established an understanding of how genes influence neural processes responsible for behavior, concepts of hereditary patterns are then introduced. Two chapters are dedicated to heredity research spanning basic Mendelian patterns to more complex concepts of multiple-gene inheritance. A third chapter describes the influence of environmental factors on inheritance patterns, with an additional chapter dedicated to describing methodological approaches to studying hereditary patterns.

With a solid foundation established for understanding genetics and heredity, a sequence of five chapters applies earlier concepts to both normal and abnormal behaviors associated with cognition, mood, and sexual behaviors. Health issues including cardiovascular stress disorders, eating disorders, and addictions are also discussed. The book concludes with two chapters on practical application of behavior genetics, including insight into careers and the future of this rapidly expanding field.

For Instructors (Available to Qualified Adopters)

INSTRUCTOR'S RESOURCE LIBRARY

The Instructor's Resource Library for An Introduction to Behavior Genetics offers all figures (including photographs) and tables in JPEG (high- and low-resolution) and PowerPoint formats.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780878930494
Publisher:	Sinauer Associates is an imprint of Oxford University Press
Publication date:	09/05/2008
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	423
Product dimensions:	7.10(w) x 9.50(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Terence J. Bazzett is Associate Professor of Psychology and Associate Dean of the College, State University of New York College at Geneseo. He earned a B.S. in Psychology from Central Michigan University and a Ph.D. in Biopsychology from SUNY Buffalo. Previous publications include a Study Guide for Kolb and Whishaw's Introduction to Brain and Behavior. Dr. Bazzett was recognized by the SUNY Research Foundation for his development of an automated mouse reaching chamber, now licensed by Lafayette Instrument. His major research interest is genetic influences on neurodegenerative disorders, with particular focus on animal models of Huntington disease.

Table of Contents

I. An Introduction to Behavior Genetics

1. Introducing Behavior Genetics: Origins and History
2. The Basis of Genetics—DNA, RNA, Chromosomes, and Genes
3. Neurogenetics and Neuropharmacology
4. Methods of Genetic Discovery and the Human Genome Project

II. Heritability, Environmental Influences, and Methods of Study

5. Simple Inheritance
6. Inheritance of Complex Traits
7. Genes and Environment
8. Research Methods in Quantitative Genetics

III. Genetic Influences on Behavior and Behavioral Disorders

9. Normal Behavioral Development
10. Primary Cognitive Disorders
11. Psychiatric Disorders with a Cognitive Component
12. Disorders of Mood, Anxiety, and Personality

IV. Other Genetic Influences, Counseling, and the Future

13. Beyond Psychotherapy: General Health Risks and Sex Chromosome Abnormalities
14. Genetic Counseling, Applied Pharmacogenomics, and Gene Therapy
15. The Future of Behavior Genetics