In this paper, we describe a two-week learning module where students tested the role of the "fruitless" gene on aggression and courtship in "Drosophila melanogaster" via team-based learning (TBL) strategies. The purpose of this module was to determine if TBL could be used in the future as a platform to implement the course goals and teach scientific skills in two sections of a junior/senior-level college Behavioral Genetics laboratory. We utilized the TBL format: pre-class preparation, readiness assurance, and concept application. The first week students learned the concepts necessary to understand the role of the "fruitless" gene on behavior and were tested as individuals and teams during the Readiness Assurance Test (RAT). They practiced working with the organisms and observing their behavior before developing novel research experiments and engaging in an extensive peer review process of their experimental designs. The following week, each group re-designed and implemented their experiments. Student performance improved during the team RAT, they preferred TBL, and were more prepared for their final research projects. Therefore, we found that incorporating TBL in this laboratory module was a successful tool toward encouraging the development of scientific skills in this laboratory.