This course will introduce a number of different experimental and analytical methods used in neuroscience research. Laboratory experiments will provide experience with three different approaches for studying the nervous system. The first laboratory exercise will introduce you to the gross and cellular anatomy of the brain and central nervous system through the analysis and dissection of fixed brain tissue. This exercise will take place over lab sessions 1 and 6. The second exercise will use computer simulations to introduce you to the principles of electrophysiological recording of action potentials and the cellular basis of the action potential propagation. This exercise will take place during lab sessions 2 and 3. The third exercise will introduce you to principles of neuropharmacology and the neurochemical basis of behavior and will take place during sessions 4 and 5.
Grading
Grades will be based on two homework assignments (Electrophysiology 30%, Neuropharmacology 40%) and an anatomy practical exam (30%). Attendance and preparedness, eg reading the lab manual before coming to class, will be taken into consideration as I calculate your final grades.
Responsible Partnering
Many of the exercises in lab will be carried out in pairs. I expect that working together will enrich the laboratory experience for both partners and that both partners will share equally in the work. I also expect that homework assignments will be completed individually, not as a team effort.
Be on Time!
Especially for the electrophysiology labs which are to be held in Meliora 210, it is imperative that you arrive on time, stow your things, and get ready to begin. Meliora 210 is a busy room and we will often not have our entire two hours to complete the simulations. On a related note, it is very difficult for me to accommodate make up sessions. Please do your very best not to miss a session and if you know ahead of time that there may be a conflict, talk to me PRIOR so we can get you into another section. That being said, this class does not meet every week. It is YOUR responsibility to know when lab is being held. From my previous experience, assignments completed by students who were absent from lab score very poorly.
Parts of the lab manual covering sessions 2 and 3 were reproduced from Neurons in Action Tutorial Guide, published by Sinauer Press.