Behavioral Neuroscience: Analyzing Anxiety and Depression from edX

This online course in behavioral neuroscience focuses on research related to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression and was developed by University of Alaska Fairbanks faculty member Dr. Abel Bult-Ito. Enrollment in this course gives you access to content that will help you:

Obtain competency in research methods using behavioral tests to observe animal behavior and measure anxiety and depression in laboratory mice.
Collect behavioral data from mouse videos from compulsive-like, non-compulsive-like, and randomly bred mouse strains; a mouse model of OCD.
Establish a foundation in using behavioral tests in laboratory mice to be able to confidently learn how to use new tests.
Develop an ability to analyze behavioral data and be proficient in the visualization of these data.
Develop an ability to interpret and discuss results in the context of human behavior, and especially psychiatric disorders, and the mouse model of OCD.
Obtain a competency in describing key characteristics of anxiety and depression in humans and in animal models.
Develop an ability to compare and contrast compulsive-like, anxiety-like, and depression-like behaviors in mice to equivalent conditions in humans.
Develop a capability to formulate original research hypotheses.
Obtain a competency in describing and discussing how basic research, as performed in this certificate program, contributes to the animal model of OCD and how it may have the potential to contribute to improving healthcare, the human condition and the biological basis of human behavior. This certificate program also will enhance your personal development and your professional development.
Learners who join this course should be free of objections to using mice in research.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Compare and contrast human and mouse behaviors.
Collect, analyze, and interpret behavioral data from mouse videos.
Establish a foundation in using behavioral tests in laboratory mice.

Understand anxiety and depression in humans and in animals.
Understand the role of animal models in studying human psychiatry.

Compare and contrast human and mouse behaviors.
Collect, analyze, and interpret behavioral data from mouse videos.
Establish a foundation in using behavioral tests in laboratory mice.
Understand anxiety and depression in humans and in animals.
Understand the role of animal models in studying human psychiatry.

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction, Anxiety: Background - open field test

Module 2: Anxiety: Data Collection and Analysis

Module 3: Depression: Background - tail suspension test

Module 4: Depression: Data Collection and Analysis

Module 5: Interpretation of results

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the biological underpinnings of mental health, giving learners a foundation for potentially expanding healthcare options

Well-suited to humanities scholars with interests in the biological and mental foundations of the human condition

Taught by a recognized academic in the field of behavioral neuroscience

Addresses the role of animal models in understanding human psychiatry

Develops skills in analyzing and visualizing behavioral data, useful for both academic and industry endeavors

Requires learners to be comfortable working with mice in research, which may not be suitable for all learners

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 Behavioral Neuroscience: Analyzing Anxiety and Depression with these activities:

Follow Tutorials on Statistical Analysis

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Develop proficiency in analyzing behavioral data, a crucial skill for this course.

Browse courses on Statistical Analysis

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Identify online tutorials or workshops on statistical analysis methods.
Follow the tutorials, completing exercises and assignments to practice data analysis.

Collaborate in Peer Discussion Groups

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Engage with classmates to enhance your understanding and critical thinking skills.

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Join or create a peer discussion group focusing on behavioral neuroscience.
Regularly participate in group discussions, sharing insights and engaging with others' perspectives.

Practice Behavioral Observation Techniques

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Gain hands-on experience in observing and interpreting animal behavior.

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Obtain video recordings of animal behavior (e.g., mice in open field or tail suspension tests).
Use behavioral observation coding schemes to systematically record and analyze animal behaviors.

Three other activities

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Design a Research Proposal

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Demonstrate your understanding of research methods by creating a proposal for an original study.

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Define a research question and hypothesis related to anxiety or depression.
Design a behavioral test or experiment to test your hypothesis.
Write a research proposal outlining your research plan, methods, and expected outcomes.

Compile a Literature Review

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Expand your knowledge and explore different perspectives on anxiety and depression.

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Search for relevant scientific literature on anxiety and depression in animal models or humans.
Critically evaluate and synthesize the findings from multiple studies.
Summarize the main findings and discuss their implications for understanding anxiety and depression.

Contribute to an Open-Source Project on Behavioral Neuroscience

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Apply your knowledge and skills to a real-world project, enhancing your understanding and credibility.

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Identify an open-source project related to behavioral neuroscience (e.g., data analysis tools, animal behavior databases).
Contribute to the project by reporting bugs, suggesting improvements, or developing new features.

Career center

Learners who complete Behavioral Neuroscience: Analyzing Anxiety and Depression will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Neuropharmacologist

A Neuropharmacologist is responsible for investigating the effects of drugs and other chemicals on the nervous system and its function. Neuropharmacologists use a range of methods to study how drugs impact the brain and behavior, including behavioral testing, animal models, and molecular techniques. The Behavioral Neuroscience: Analyzing Anxiety and Depression course can be particularly beneficial for those interested in a career as a Neuropharmacologist, as it provides a strong foundation in behavioral testing and data analysis, which are essential skills for conducting research in this field.

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Behavioral Neuroscientist

Behavioral Neuroscientists study the relationship between the brain and behavior, focusing on how neural systems give rise to complex behaviors. They use a variety of techniques to investigate behavior, including animal models, behavioral testing, and neuroimaging techniques. The Behavioral Neuroscience: Analyzing Anxiety and Depression course provides a strong foundation in behavioral testing and data analysis, which are essential skills for conducting research in this field.

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Clinical Psychologist

Clinical Psychologists provide psychotherapy and counseling to individuals with mental health problems. They use a variety of therapeutic techniques to help people cope with mental illness and improve their quality of life. The Behavioral Neuroscience: Analyzing Anxiety and Depression course can be particularly beneficial for those interested in a career as a Clinical Psychologist, as it provides a strong foundation in the neurobiology of mental illness and the use of behavioral testing to assess and treat mental illness.

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Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. They use a variety of methods to treat mental illness, including medication, psychotherapy, and behavioral therapy. The Behavioral Neuroscience: Analyzing Anxiety and Depression course can be particularly beneficial for those interested in a career as a Psychiatrist, as it provides a strong foundation in the neurobiology of mental illness and the use of behavioral testing to assess and treat mental illness.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct scientific research in a variety of fields, including medicine, biology, chemistry, and psychology. They design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and publish their findings in scientific journals. The Behavioral Neuroscience: Analyzing Anxiety and Depression course can be beneficial for those interested in a career as a Research Scientist, as it provides a strong foundation in research methods and data analysis, which are essential skills for conducting scientific research.

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Mental Health Counselor

Mental Health Counselors provide counseling and support to individuals with mental health problems. They use a variety of therapeutic techniques to help people cope with mental illness and improve their quality of life. The Behavioral Neuroscience: Analyzing Anxiety and Depression course can be particularly beneficial for those interested in a career as a Mental Health Counselor, as it provides a strong foundation in the neurobiology of mental illness and the use of behavioral testing to assess and treat mental illness.

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Neurologist

Neurologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system. They use a variety of methods to diagnose and treat neurological disorders, including physical examinations, imaging techniques, and laboratory tests. The Behavioral Neuroscience: Analyzing Anxiety and Depression course can be particularly beneficial for those interested in a career as a Neurologist, as it provides a strong foundation in the neurobiology of mental illness and the use of behavioral testing to assess and treat neurological disorders.

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Neurosurgeon

Neurosurgeons are medical doctors who specialize in the surgical treatment of disorders of the nervous system. They use a variety of surgical techniques to treat neurological disorders, including brain surgery and spinal surgery. The Behavioral Neuroscience: Analyzing Anxiety and Depression course can be particularly beneficial for those interested in a career as a Neurosurgeon, as it provides a strong foundation in the neurobiology of mental illness and the use of behavioral testing to assess and treat neurological disorders.

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Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance Abuse Counselors provide counseling and support to individuals with substance use disorders. They use a variety of therapeutic techniques to help people overcome addiction and improve their quality of life. The Behavioral Neuroscience: Analyzing Anxiety and Depression course can be beneficial for those interested in a career as a Substance Abuse Counselor, as it provides a strong foundation in the neurobiology of addiction and the use of behavioral testing to assess and treat addiction.

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Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and assistance to individuals and families who are facing challenges, such as mental illness, poverty, and addiction. They use a variety of methods to help people cope with these challenges and improve their quality of life. The Behavioral Neuroscience: Analyzing Anxiety and Depression course can be beneficial for those interested in a career as a Social Worker, as it provides a strong foundation in the neurobiology of mental illness and the social factors that can contribute to mental health problems.

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Forensic Psychologist

Forensic Psychologists provide psychological services in the criminal justice system. They use a variety of psychological methods to assess and treat offenders, provide testimony in court, and consult with law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals. The Behavioral Neuroscience: Analyzing Anxiety and Depression course can be beneficial for those interested in a career as a Forensic Psychologist, as it provides a strong foundation in the neurobiology of mental illness and the use of behavioral testing to assess and treat mental illness.

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Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants provide medical care to patients under the supervision of a physician. They perform a variety of tasks, including taking medical histories, performing physical examinations, and prescribing medications. The Behavioral Neuroscience: Analyzing Anxiety and Depression course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Physician Assistant, as it provides a basic understanding of the neurobiology of mental illness and the use of medications to treat mental illness.

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Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists help people with disabilities or injuries to regain or improve their ability to perform everyday tasks. They use a variety of techniques, including exercise, activities, and counseling, to help people improve their physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning. The Behavioral Neuroscience: Analyzing Anxiety and Depression course may be useful for those interested in a career as an Occupational Therapist, as it provides a basic understanding of the neurobiology of mental illness and the use of behavioral interventions to treat mental illness.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about their use to patients. They also work with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients are taking their medications safely and effectively. The Behavioral Neuroscience: Analyzing Anxiety and Depression course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Pharmacist, as it provides a basic understanding of the neurobiology of mental illness and the use of medications to treat mental illness.

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Registered Nurse

Registered Nurses provide nursing care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They administer medications, monitor patients' vital signs, and provide emotional support to patients and their families. The Behavioral Neuroscience: Analyzing Anxiety and Depression course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Registered Nurse, as it provides a basic understanding of the neurobiology of mental illness and the use of medications to treat mental illness.

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