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Abel Bult-Ito

This online course on behavioral neuroscience goes more in-depth on scientific research, in mice and humans, related to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Studying the human brain can be difficult, so neuroscientists often first use mice in research because of the similarities in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neurobiology. Explore the study of neuroscience through enrollment in this course and:

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This online course on behavioral neuroscience goes more in-depth on scientific research, in mice and humans, related to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Studying the human brain can be difficult, so neuroscientists often first use mice in research because of the similarities in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neurobiology. Explore the study of neuroscience through enrollment in this course and:

  • Learn how to critically evaluate the use of different behavioral tests for anxiety and depression in laboratory mice.

  • Evaluate how different behavioral tests can affect the interpretation of results.

  • 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).

  • 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 psychiatric disorders and human behavior 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 human behaviors.

  • 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 a better understanding of mental health, behavioral health and improving healthcare, quality of life and well-being 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

  • Critically evaluate the use of different behavioral tests in mice.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret behavioral data from mouse videos.
  • Establish a foundation in using behavioral tests in laboratory mice.
  • Develop ability to compare and contrast different behaviors in mice.
  • Understand the role of animal models in studying human psychiatry.

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction, Anxiety: Background - elevated zero maze test
Module 2: Anxiety: Data Collection and Analysis
Module 3: Depression: Background - forced swim test
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the scientific research of mental health conditions in mice and humans
Learners can collect, analyze, and interpret data from mouse videos
Establishes a foundation in using behavioral tests in laboratory mice
Provides an ability to compare and contrast different behaviors in mice
Provides a deep understanding of the role of animal models in studying human psychiatry
Learners without ethical objections to mice in research are suitable for this course

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Reviews summary

Practical behavioral neuroscience with mouse models

According to students, this course provides a practical and insightful dive into behavioral neuroscience, excelling in its focus on mouse models for mental health research. Learners particularly value the hands-on data collection and analysis from mouse videos, finding it directly applicable to lab work and psychiatric studies. While highly praised for offering a solid foundation and being well-structured with clear instructor explanations, some experienced researchers found the "Advanced Insights" title misleadingly basic for their background. Older reviews occasionally noted technical issues with video resolution, though recent feedback suggests improvements.
Older videos occasionally had resolution issues; recent reviews suggest improvements.
"The video quality for some of the mouse models wasn't ideal, making data collection harder than it should have been."
"Some of the older videos seemed a bit low resolution, but the overall content quality was high."
"The material is strong, but the technical delivery could be improved. Some older videos had poor resolution."
Provides a strong foundation, though some data analysis sections could be more in-depth.
"Some parts felt a little basic given the 'advanced insights' title, but it still provided a strong foundation."
"I found some of the explanations a bit rushed, especially in the data analysis modules. I had to supplement with outside resources."
"I would suggest adding more advanced statistical methods or troubleshooting common issues, but it's comprehensive."
Best for graduate students or those newer to animal models; may be basic for experienced researchers.
"A solid introduction to behavioral neuroscience... Good for graduate students or those new to this specific research area."
"The 'advanced insights' part is misleading. It felt more like an introductory course... If you're an experienced researcher, you might find it too superficial."
"As someone new to animal models, I found the step-by-step guidance on data collection and analysis incredibly helpful."
Highly relevant for professionals in neuroscience and psychiatric research.
"Very relevant for my work in psychiatric research. The critical evaluation of behavioral tests was thorough."
"This course really bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application."
"I now feel much more confident in critically evaluating behavioral tests for anxiety and depression."
Equips learners with essential skills for behavioral data analysis.
"The focus on practical data collection and analysis from mouse videos was a game-changer for my research."
"I particularly enjoyed learning how to analyze the mouse behavioral data; it's a skill directly applicable to my lab work."
"The practical exercises improved my data analysis skills, and I now feel more confident in critically evaluating tests."

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: Advanced Insights from Mouse Models with these activities:
Volunteer at a mental health organization
Provides practical experience in working with individuals with mental health conditions, enhancing empathy and understanding.
Browse courses on Mental health support
Show steps
  • Identify organizations that align with your interests.
  • Inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Obtain necessary training and certifications.
  • Engage in meaningful interactions with clients.
  • Reflect on your experiences and apply them to your studies.
Connect with researchers in the field of behavioral neuroscience
Provides an opportunity for students to build connections with experts in the field and gain valuable insights into current research.
Browse courses on Behavioral Neuroscience
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors through online databases or professional organizations.
  • Craft a personalized message expressing your interest and qualifications.
  • Schedule informational interviews to learn more about their research and career path.
  • Develop collaborative projects or research proposals.
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Career center

Learners who complete Behavioral Neuroscience: Advanced Insights from Mouse Models will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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