Behavioral Neuroscience: Foundations of Compulsive Behaviors from edX

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)

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers the basics of research on mice, their behavior, and how it can be used to understand human behavior

Develops the foundational knowledge and skills to conduct research on animal models of psychiatric disorders

Recommended for individuals who are interested in conducting or understanding research on animal models of psychiatric disorders

Provides training in animal care and use, experimental design, and data analysis

Taught by instructors who are recognized for their work in behavioral neuroscience

Requires participants to be free of objections to using mice in research

Reviews summary

Deep dive into compulsive behavior neuroscience

According to students, this course offers a deep dive into behavioral neuroscience, particularly how mouse models illuminate compulsive behaviors and OCD. Learners say it provides an invaluable foundation for research and clinical applications, with many appreciating the detailed ethical considerations for animal research and the practical skills in data analysis. While the lectures are often praised for clarity and the instructor's expertise is evident, some reviewers suggest it demands a strong background in biology or neuroscience, finding it more suitable for intermediate learners despite its 'foundations' title. This course is highly recommended for those serious about the field.

Led by a highly knowledgeable and clear instructor.

"The instructor clearly knows their stuff."

"I found the instructor's expertise shines through in every lecture."

"The lectures were clear, and I felt the instructor explained complex topics in an accessible way."

Emphasizes responsible and ethical conduct in animal research.

"The discussions on ethical considerations for animal research were particularly insightful and well-integrated."

"I appreciated how thoroughly the course covered ethical guidelines for animal research."

"I especially liked the focus on the responsible conduct of animal research; this aspect is often overlooked in online courses."

Offers valuable hands-on experience with behavioral data analysis.

"The data analysis modules were very hands-on, which I appreciated."

"The practical skills I gained in analyzing mouse behavior are a huge plus for my own research."

"I found the module on marble burying behavior and its analysis particularly well-done, providing practical skills."

Provides extensive, specialized coverage of behavioral neuroscience.

"This course provided an incredibly detailed and practical look into behavioral neuroscience, specifically how we use mouse models..."

"I found this course an excellent dive into a niche but critical area, particularly useful for my research interests."

"It's a fantastic resource for anyone studying or working with animal models; the detailed explanations of specific behavioral tests were extremely valuable."

Some learners experienced minor video quality and assignment alignment issues.

"The technical aspects could be improved. Some video quality issues made it harder to follow."

"I struggled with the assignments, feeling they weren't always aligned with what was explicitly taught in the lectures."

Could benefit from more interactive elements or community forums.

"I felt a bit disconnected from the 'hands-on' aspect without actual lab access."

"I wished there were more interactive problem-solving scenarios beyond just watching videos and analyzing provided data."

"My main suggestion would be to perhaps add a more interactive forum or community for discussions, as the content can be complex."

Challenging for beginners without a science or neuroscience background.

"It assumes a significant background in biology or neuroscience. As a beginner, I struggled to keep up with some terminology and concepts."

"I found this course quite challenging; the materials were sometimes hard to follow without a strong pre-existing knowledge base in neuroscience."

"I felt the depth was more for intermediate learners despite it being titled 'foundations' for this subject."

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: Foundations of Compulsive Behaviors with these activities:

Volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue organization

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Gain practical experience in animal care and behavior by volunteering at an organization dedicated to animal well-being.

Browse courses on Animal Welfare

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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

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Enhance your understanding of ethical and responsible animal care practices by exploring online tutorials and resources.

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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

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Review the functions and physiological effects of neurotransmitters to refresh your understanding of the core concepts covered in this course.

Browse courses on Neuroscience

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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

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Review of 'Essentials of Behavioral Neuroscience' by Jon C. Horvitz

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Deepen your understanding of the ethical responsibilities involved in animal research by creating a presentation that explores the topic.

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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

Learners who complete Behavioral Neuroscience: Foundations of Compulsive Behaviors will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Behavioral Scientist

Behavioral Scientists study the behavior of humans and animals. They may work in a variety of settings, including research laboratories, universities, and government agencies. This course may be useful for those who want to become Behavioral Scientists. It helps build a foundation in behavioral neuroscience, including the study of obsessive-compulsive disorder in humans and compulsive-like behavior in mice. This knowledge is essential for someone who wants to work as a Behavioral Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Behavioral Scientist

Neuroscientist

Neuroscientists study the nervous system. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, research laboratories, and hospitals. This course may be useful for future Neuroscientists. It provides a strong foundation in behavioral neuroscience, which is essential for understanding the nervous system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neuroscientist

Cognitive Scientist

Cognitive Scientists study the mind and how it works. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, research laboratories, and private companies. This course may be useful for someone interested in becoming a Cognitive Scientist. It provides a strong foundation in behavioral neuroscience, which is essential for understanding the mind and how it works.

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Psychologist

Psychologists study the mind and how it works. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, research laboratories, and private practices. This course may be useful for future Psychologists. It provides a strong foundation in behavioral neuroscience, which is essential for understanding the mind and how it works.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

Ethologist

Ethologists study the behavior of animals in their natural environment. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, research laboratories, and wildlife sanctuaries. This course may be useful for those who want to become Ethologists. It provides a strong foundation in animal behavior and how to conduct research on animals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ethologist

Mental Health Counselor

Mental Health Counselors help people with mental health issues. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and private practices. This course may be useful for Mental Health Counselors. It provides a strong foundation in behavioral neuroscience and the study of obsessive-compulsive disorder, which are essential for understanding and treating mental health issues.

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Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health disorders. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. This course may be useful for future Psychiatrists. It provides a strong foundation in behavioral neuroscience and the study of obsessive-compulsive disorder, which are essential for understanding and treating mental health disorders.

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Animal Behaviorist

Animal Behaviorists study the behavior of non-human animals. They may work in a variety of settings, including zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, and research laboratories. This course may be useful to those interested in becoming an Animal Behaviorist. It provides a strong foundation in animal behavior and how to conduct research on animals.

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Veterinarian

Veterinarians care for and treat animals. They may work in a variety of settings, including private practices, animal shelters, and zoos. This course may be useful for future Veterinarians. It provides a strong foundation in animal behavior and how to care for laboratory mice, which are essential for someone who wants to work with animals.

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Laboratory Animal Technician

Laboratory Animal Technicians care for and maintain laboratory animals. They may also assist with research projects. This course can help build a foundation for someone looking to become a Laboratory Animal Technician. It teaches responsible conduct of research and care of laboratory mice, which are essential skills for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Laboratory Animal Technician

Animal Care Technician

Animal Care Technicians work in a laboratory setting, providing care to and taking samples from animals. This course can help build a foundation for someone looking to become an Animal Care Technician. It teaches responsible conduct of research and care of laboratory mice, which are essential skills for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animal Care Technician

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research in a variety of fields. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, research laboratories, and private companies. This course may be useful for future Research Scientists. It provides a strong foundation in conducting research involving mice, which is relevant to a variety of research fields.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to biological data. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, universities, and pharmaceutical companies. This course may be useful for future Biostatisticians. Although this course does not focus on biostatistics, it does cover the collection and analysis of behavioral data from mice. This experience may be helpful for someone who wants to pursue a career in Biostatistics.

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Pharmacologist

Pharmacologists study the effects of drugs on the body. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, pharmaceutical companies, and hospitals. This course may be useful for future Pharmacologists. Although this course does not cover pharmacology, it does provide a strong foundation in behavioral neuroscience. This knowledge may be useful for someone who wants to pursue a career in Pharmacology.

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Academic Researcher

Researchers play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of science and medicine. They dedicate themselves to expanding human knowledge by studying and collecting data. This course may be useful for someone interested in becoming an Academic Researcher. It provides a strong foundation in conducting research involving mice, which is highly relevant to those who may be interested in pursuing research in the field of Behavioral Neuroscience.

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