The study of neuroscience aims to understand the human brain, cognition, the nervous system, and much more. There are many branches of neuroscience, including medical neuroscience, computational neuroscience, and behavioral neuroscience. Studying the human brain can be difficult, so scientists often first use mice in research because of the similarities in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neurobiology. By studying the brains of mice, we gain insight into how the human brain works. This behavioral neuroscience course on edx covers the fundamentals of research involving mice, mice behavior and how it can be used to understand human behavior, and more. Enroll now to:
Read more
The study of neuroscience aims to understand the human brain, cognition, the nervous system, and much more. There are many branches of neuroscience, including medical neuroscience, computational neuroscience, and behavioral neuroscience. Studying the human brain can be difficult, so scientists often first use mice in research because of the similarities in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neurobiology. By studying the brains of mice, we gain insight into how the human brain works. This behavioral neuroscience course on edx covers the fundamentals of research involving mice, mice behavior and how it can be used to understand human behavior, and more. Enroll now to:
The study of neuroscience aims to understand the human brain, cognition, the nervous system, and much more. There are many branches of neuroscience, including medical neuroscience, computational neuroscience, and behavioral neuroscience. Studying the human brain can be difficult, so scientists often first use mice in research because of the similarities in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neurobiology. By studying the brains of mice, we gain insight into how the human brain works. This behavioral neuroscience course on edx covers the fundamentals of research involving mice, mice behavior and how it can be used to understand human behavior, and more. Enroll now to:
Understand how to handle laboratory mice responsibly according to federal law by completing animals care and use training.
Understand how research on animals must be scientifically justified, humane and ethical, use appropriate research methods, and provide new knowledge.
Collect behavioral data from mouse videos from compulsive-like, non-compulsive-like, and randomly bred mouse strains; a mouse model of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Obtain competency in using behavioral tests to measure repetitive behaviors in laboratory mice analogous to compulsions in humans.
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 neuroscience data using mice and understand repetitive (compulsive-like) behaviors in animal models.
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 OCD in humans and human behavior as described in the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM), including obsessive and intrusive thoughts, repetitive behaviors, and hoarding disorder.
Develop a capability to formulate original research hypotheses as used in the fields of behavioral sciences, neuropsychology, and behavioral neuroscience.
Obtain a competency in describing and discussing how basic research contributes to the animal model of OCD and how it may have the potential to improve human mental health conditions, quality of life and the biological basis of human behavior.
Learners who join this course should be free of objections to using mice in research.
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Learn responsible conduct of research.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret behavioral data from mouse videos.
- Establish a foundation in using behavioral tests in laboratory mice.
- Understand obsessive-compulsive disorder in humans and compulsions in animals.
- Understand the role of animal models in studying human psychiatry.
- Learn responsible conduct of research.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret behavioral data from mouse videos.
- Establish a foundation in using behavioral tests in laboratory mice.
- Understand obsessive-compulsive disorder in humans and compulsions in animals.
- Understand the role of animal models in studying human psychiatry.
Syllabus
Module 1: Introduction, Animal Care and Use Training
Module 2: Ethics of Animal Research
Module 3: OCD in humans and compulsive like behavior in mice (nesting)
Read more
Syllabus
Good to know
Save this course
Save
Activities
Volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue organization
Show steps
Gain practical experience in animal care and behavior by volunteering at an organization dedicated to animal well-being.
Browse courses on
Animal Welfare
Show steps
-
Identify local animal shelters or rescue organizations.
-
Inquire about volunteer opportunities and requirements.
-
Attend training sessions and familiarize yourself with the organization's policies.
-
Engage in hands-on activities such as feeding, grooming, and socializing with animals.
Explore online tutorials on animal handling techniques
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of ethical and responsible animal care practices by exploring online tutorials and resources.
Show steps
-
Visit the website of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare.
-
Enroll in free online courses on animal handling offered by organizations like edX or Coursera.
-
Attend a workshop or seminar on best practices in animal research.
-
Review the guidelines set by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
Review of physiology associated with key neurotransmitters
Show steps
Review the functions and physiological effects of neurotransmitters to refresh your understanding of the core concepts covered in this course.
Browse courses on
Neuroscience
Show steps
-
Revisit textbooks or lecture notes from previous neuroscience or biology courses.
-
Explore online resources such as Khan Academy or Coursera for refresher materials.
-
Attend a seminar or workshop on neurotransmitter physiology.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Review of 'Essentials of Behavioral Neuroscience' by Jon C. Horvitz
Show steps
Supplement your understanding of behavioral neuroscience by reviewing a foundational textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of the field.
View
Principles of Behavioral Neuroscience
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of the book.
-
Read through the chapters and take notes on key concepts.
-
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises.
Analyze simulated mouse behavior data
Show steps
Develop your analytical skills by practicing the analysis of mouse behavior data, which is crucial for understanding the results presented in the course.
Browse courses on
Behavioral Neuroscience
Show steps
-
Access online databases or software that provide simulated mouse behavior data.
-
Apply the behavioral analysis techniques covered in the course to interpret the data.
-
Compare your results with those provided by the instructor or other peers.
-
Attend a lab session or workshop on mouse behavior analysis.
Create a presentation on the ethical implications of animal research
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the ethical responsibilities involved in animal research by creating a presentation that explores the topic.
Show steps
-
Research ethical guidelines and regulations related to animal research.
-
Consider the perspectives of different stakeholders, including scientists, animal welfare advocates, and the general public.
-
Develop arguments and present your views on the ethical implications of animal research.
-
Share your presentation with classmates or a broader audience for feedback.
Volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue organization
Show steps
Gain practical experience in animal care and behavior by volunteering at an organization dedicated to animal well-being.
Browse courses on
Animal Welfare
Show steps
- Identify local animal shelters or rescue organizations.
- Inquire about volunteer opportunities and requirements.
- Attend training sessions and familiarize yourself with the organization's policies.
- Engage in hands-on activities such as feeding, grooming, and socializing with animals.
Explore online tutorials on animal handling techniques
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of ethical and responsible animal care practices by exploring online tutorials and resources.
Show steps
- Visit the website of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare.
- Enroll in free online courses on animal handling offered by organizations like edX or Coursera.
- Attend a workshop or seminar on best practices in animal research.
- Review the guidelines set by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
Review of physiology associated with key neurotransmitters
Show steps
Review the functions and physiological effects of neurotransmitters to refresh your understanding of the core concepts covered in this course.
Browse courses on
Neuroscience
Show steps
- Revisit textbooks or lecture notes from previous neuroscience or biology courses.
- Explore online resources such as Khan Academy or Coursera for refresher materials.
- Attend a seminar or workshop on neurotransmitter physiology.
Review of 'Essentials of Behavioral Neuroscience' by Jon C. Horvitz
Show steps
Supplement your understanding of behavioral neuroscience by reviewing a foundational textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of the field.
View
Principles of Behavioral Neuroscience
on Amazon
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of the book.
- Read through the chapters and take notes on key concepts.
- Complete the end-of-chapter exercises.
Analyze simulated mouse behavior data
Show steps
Develop your analytical skills by practicing the analysis of mouse behavior data, which is crucial for understanding the results presented in the course.
Browse courses on
Behavioral Neuroscience
Show steps
- Access online databases or software that provide simulated mouse behavior data.
- Apply the behavioral analysis techniques covered in the course to interpret the data.
- Compare your results with those provided by the instructor or other peers.
- Attend a lab session or workshop on mouse behavior analysis.
Create a presentation on the ethical implications of animal research
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the ethical responsibilities involved in animal research by creating a presentation that explores the topic.
Show steps
- Research ethical guidelines and regulations related to animal research.
- Consider the perspectives of different stakeholders, including scientists, animal welfare advocates, and the general public.
- Develop arguments and present your views on the ethical implications of animal research.
- Share your presentation with classmates or a broader audience for feedback.
Career center
Neuroscientist
Behavioral Scientist
Cognitive Scientist
Psychologist
Mental Health Counselor
Psychiatrist
Veterinarian
Animal Behaviorist
Ethologist
Animal Care Technician
Research Scientist
Laboratory Animal Technician
Pharmacologist
Biostatistician
Academic Researcher
Reading list
Save
Share
Similar courses
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
