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Johannes Gräff, Gioele La Manno, Liliane Tenenbaum, Elsa Pellet, and Sean Hill

Modern neuroscience is multidisciplinary and collaborative. We need to integrate knowledge of experimental and theoretical approaches to neuroscience, and look at the brain and brain function from different perspectives: for example, genes can partially explain differences in reading ability, but there is no single gene that makes someone a good or a poor reader. And genes can be turned on and off by external factors such as someone’s diet or a virus infection. So to understand something as complex as reading ability, we need to stitch together knowledge about the role of genes, proteins, cells, and large networks of cells.

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Modern neuroscience is multidisciplinary and collaborative. We need to integrate knowledge of experimental and theoretical approaches to neuroscience, and look at the brain and brain function from different perspectives: for example, genes can partially explain differences in reading ability, but there is no single gene that makes someone a good or a poor reader. And genes can be turned on and off by external factors such as someone’s diet or a virus infection. So to understand something as complex as reading ability, we need to stitch together knowledge about the role of genes, proteins, cells, and large networks of cells.

In this course on Genetics and Brain Development, we will focus on the principles of neurogenetics and brain development and we will introduce you to the fields of genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics and their applications.

What's inside

Learning objective

You will learn from top scientists, specialised in each field, and have access to research databases and learning resources such as brain atlases and brain modeling tools. we aim to show you how these new tools can help integrate the vast amounts of neuroscience data available to innovate medical technologies and therapies. and we will teach you how to use these tools for your own research and understanding.

Syllabus

week 1: Basics of gene expression
week 2: Genetic variation, gene networks and epigenetic
week 3: Genome, epigenome and transcriptome
week 4: Overview of embryonic development
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week 5: The birth of the nervous system
week 6: Methods and tools in genetics
week 7: Gene therapy in the nervous system
week 8: Introduction to big data
week 9: Introduction to modelling in neuroscience

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by instructors from top institutions like EPFL and CNRS
Provides a strong foundation for those interested in the genetic and molecular basis of brain development
Incorporates hands-on tools and resources, such as brain atlases and modeling tools, to enhance learning
Covers up-to-date research in genetics, genomics, and brain development
Provides an overview of gene therapy in the nervous system and its potential applications
Recommended for students with a background in biology, genetics, or related fields

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Neuroscience Reconstructed: Genetics and Development with these activities:
Review Molecular Biology Concepts
Refreshing your knowledge of molecular biology concepts will strengthen your knowledge base for this course.
Browse courses on Molecular Biology
Show steps
  • Review your notes from previous molecular biology courses.
  • Go over your molecular biology textbooks or online resources.
  • Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding.
Explore Brain Atlases
Familiarizing yourself with brain atlases will provide you with a visual reference point to supplement your understanding of brain development.
Browse courses on Neuroanatomy
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  • Find online brain atlases such as the Allen Brain Atlas or the Human Brain Project.
  • Explore the different sections and features of the atlas.
  • Identify specific brain regions and structures relevant to the course.
Join a Study Group or Tutor Other Students
Engaging in peer learning and tutoring can enhance your understanding of the course material and improve your communication skills.
Show steps
  • Find or create a study group with other students in the course.
  • Meet regularly to discuss the course material, ask questions, and work on assignments together.
  • If you feel confident, offer to tutor other students who may be struggling.
Five other activities
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Practice Gene Expression Problems
Solving gene expression problems will enhance your understanding of the mechanisms underlying genetic variation and gene networks.
Browse courses on Gene Expression
Show steps
  • Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
  • Go through the problems and try to solve them on your own.
  • Check your answers and identify areas where you need more practice.
Compile a Glossary of Genetic Terminology
Creating a glossary will reinforce your understanding of key genetic terms and concepts encountered in the course.
Browse courses on Genetics
Show steps
  • Gather definitions of genetic terms from lectures, textbooks, and online resources.
  • Organize the terms alphabetically or by category.
  • Review and memorize the definitions regularly.
Attend a Workshop on Brain Modeling
Attending a workshop on brain modeling will provide you with hands-on experience and insights into advanced computational methods used in neuroscience research.
Show steps
  • Find a relevant workshop or conference that aligns with your interests.
  • Register for the workshop and make arrangements for travel and accommodation if necessary.
  • Attend the workshop, actively participate in the sessions, and take notes.
Read 'Introduction to Genetic Analysis' by Griffiths et al.
This book provides a comprehensive overview of genetic principles and will supplement the material covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Highlight and take notes on important concepts.
  • Complete the review questions at the end of each chapter.
  • Read the assigned chapters thoroughly.
Design a Hypothetical Gene Therapy Strategy
Designing a gene therapy strategy will allow you to apply your knowledge of genetics and brain development to a real-world medical problem.
Browse courses on Gene Therapy
Show steps
  • Choose a specific neurological disorder that could potentially be treated with gene therapy.
  • Research the genetic basis of the disorder and identify a suitable target gene.
  • Design a gene therapy approach that could deliver the target gene to the affected cells.
  • Discuss the potential benefits and limitations of your proposed strategy.

Career center

Learners who complete Neuroscience Reconstructed: Genetics and Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Neurosurgeon
A Neurosurgeon operates on the brain and spinal cord. This course helps someone in this role by providing a foundation in the principles of neurogenetics and brain development. This helps them to better understand the anatomy and function of the nervous system, which is essential for performing surgery.
Neuroscientist
A Neuroscientist studies the nervous system. They investigate how the brain, spinal cord, and nerves work together to control thought, emotion, and behavior. This course helps someone in this role by providing a foundation in the principles of neurogenetics and brain development. It also introduces them to the fields of genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics and their applications.
Neurologist
A Neurologist diagnoses and treats diseases of the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. This course helps someone in this role by providing a foundation in the principles of neurogenetics and brain development. This helps them to better understand the causes and treatments for neurological diseases.
Geneticist
A Geneticist studies genes and heredity. This course helps someone in this role by providing a foundation in the principles of neurogenetics and brain development. This helps them to better understand the role of genes in brain development and function.
Genetic Counselor
A Genetic Counselor provides information and support to individuals and families affected by genetic disorders. This includes disorders of the nervous system. This course helps someone in this role by providing a foundation in the principles of neurogenetics and brain development. This helps them to better understand the causes and treatments for genetic neurological disorders.
Medical Geneticist
A Medical Geneticist specializes in the diagnosis and management of genetic disorders. This includes disorders of the nervous system. This course helps someone in this role by providing a foundation in the principles of neurogenetics and brain development. This helps them to better understand the causes and treatments for genetic neurological disorders.
Pharmacologist
A Pharmacologist studies the effects of drugs on the body. This includes drugs that are used to treat neurological disorders. This course helps someone in this role by providing a foundation in the principles of neurogenetics and brain development. This helps them to better understand the mechanisms of action of drugs that are used to treat neurological disorders.
Toxicologist
A Toxicologist studies the effects of toxins on the body. This includes toxins that can damage the nervous system. This course helps someone in this role by providing a foundation in the principles of neurogenetics and brain development. This helps them to better understand the mechanisms of action of toxins that can damage the nervous system.
Epidemiologist
An Epidemiologist studies the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events (including disease), and the application of this study to the control of diseases and other health problems. This course may be useful to someone in this role by providing a foundation in the principles of neurogenetics and brain development. This could help them to better understand the causes and risk factors for neurological disorders.
Biostatistician
A Biostatistician applies statistical methods to the design, analysis, and interpretation of biomedical research studies. This course may be useful to someone in this role by providing a foundation in the principles of neurogenetics and brain development. This could help them to better design and analyze studies on the causes and treatments of neurological disorders.
Science Editor
A Science Editor edits scientific and technical writing. This course may be useful to someone in this role by providing a foundation in the principles of neurogenetics and brain development. This could help them to better understand the content of scientific papers and to edit them for clarity and accuracy.
Science Writer
A Science Writer writes about science and technology for a general audience. This course may be useful to someone in this role by providing a foundation in the principles of neurogenetics and brain development. This could help them to better understand and write about the latest advances in neuroscience.
Science Teacher
A Science Teacher teaches science to students at the elementary, secondary, or post-secondary level. This course may be useful to someone in this role by providing a foundation in the principles of neurogenetics and brain development. This could help them to better teach their students about the nervous system and its functions.
Science Policy Analyst
A Science Policy Analyst analyzes and evaluates scientific and technical information to inform policy decisions. This course may be useful to someone in this role by providing a foundation in the principles of neurogenetics and brain development. This could help them to better understand the scientific basis for policy decisions related to neuroscience.
Science Communicator
A Science Communicator communicates science to the public. This course may be useful to someone in this role by providing a foundation in the principles of neurogenetics and brain development. This could help them to better understand and communicate the latest advances in neuroscience to the public.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Neuroscience Reconstructed: Genetics and Development.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular biology of the cell, covering topics such as gene expression, DNA replication, and cell signaling. It valuable resource for students and researchers in the field of neuroscience.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of neuroscience, covering topics such as the structure and function of the nervous system, neural development, and neural plasticity. It valuable resource for students and researchers in the field of neuroscience.
This comprehensive textbook provides an in-depth overview of molecular biology, including genetics, genomics, and epigenetics. It valuable resource for students and researchers in neuroscience and related fields.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the development of the nervous system, covering topics such as neural induction, neural tube closure, and the formation of the brain and spinal cord. It valuable resource for students and researchers in the field of neuroscience.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of embryology, covering topics such as embryonic development, organogenesis, and developmental genetics. It valuable resource for students and researchers in the field of neuroscience.
Provides an in-depth overview of epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation, including topics such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs.
Provides a general overview of epigenetics, including topics such as the role of epigenetics in development, disease, and evolution.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of big data, covering topics such as data storage, data analysis, and the use of big data in various fields. It valuable resource for students and researchers in the field of neuroscience.
This textbook provides an overview of molecular neuropharmacology, the study of the molecular mechanisms of drugs that affect the nervous system.

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