Understanding Genes

About the lecture

In this lecture, we think about what genes are, focusing in particular on: (i) the importance of keeping in mind that humans are biological systems when considering psychological concepts; (ii) the biological definition of a gene as a section of DNA which encodes a function in the organism by defining a protein arrangement; (iii) DNA, from a conceptual view, as a sequence of letters (formed by nucleotides), which encodes our cells; (iv) the recently debunked view that much of a DNA sequence is without function, replaced with the view that some of DNA is coding (genes) and some is non-coding; (v) polymorphisms as defined as genetic contributions to individual differences.

About the lecturer

Professor Yulia Kovas is a professor of genetics and psychology in the Department of Psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London. Professor Kovas’ research interests include the development of individual differences in cognitive abilities, emotional and motivational processes, and academic achievement. Some of Professor Kovas’ recent publications include 'Individual differences in mathematical ability: A behavioral genetic approach' (2015) and 'Math anxiety in children with and without mathematical difficulties: the role of gender and genetic factors' (2019).