Credits:  2 credits (A/F only)

Prerequisites: NSci 3101/3102W, dept permission

Time:      1:00PM - 5:15PM

Place:     MCB 2-124 (East Bank)

Objectives:

•  gain insight into the functional organization of the mammalian CNS

•  learn to organize, execute, and properly document a scientific project

•  learn to effectively analyze, present, and discuss results of an experiment

•  understand procedures for responsible use of animals in scientific research

•  learn selected techniques used in experimental neuroscience

Attendance
Laboratory attendance is required. Absence is only justified by documented illness or extenuating personal reasons (e.g. death of a close relative). Because of the unique nature of this course, it will not be possible to make up a missed laboratory and each member of a lab group will be dependent on the presence of the other members.  Therefore, multiple absences ARE not allowed , even if justified. Students who are unable to attend a laboratory are expected to notify the instructor IN ADVANCE of the scheduled laboratory.

Lab Notebook
A permanently-bound laboratory notebook is required. A standard, University of Minnesota Lab Book is recommended. Spiral bound notebooks or notebooks with removable pages are not acceptable.

Course Materials
Specific instructional materials will be provided in laboratory.

Books
The course text is The Human Brain: An introduction to Its Functional Anatomy by John Nolte. Most students will find this to be an essential reference for functional anatomy of the mammalian nervous system and review of concepts learned in the undergraduate lecture courses. This text is currently in use in the medical school and is much more anatomically oriented than the text used in NSci 3101/3102. Since our experimental animal is rat and not human, however, some anatomical detail in Nolte will not be appropriate for analysis of our data. For this reason, other references will be available.

The Rat Nervous System , George Paxinos, ed., stereotaxic atlases of the rat brain, and other references will be available for use in lab or on reserve in the library. While they are important for the course, the cost of these references would be prohibitive for many students. Reference to current publications in neuroscience journals may also be required to understand some of our data. Most of these references will be available online in the laboratory.

Grading

Assignments and Quizzes - 40% of total grade.  There will be 4 brief assignments or quizzes, so that each one counts 10%. Late assignments receive a maximum of 1/2 credit.

Lab Notebook- 20% of total grade.  Lab notebooks will be collected and graded twice during the semester.

Participation and Acquired Skill - 10% of total grade.   Based on the judgment of your instructors according to the following criteria:

•  on-time attendance and consistent presence during the lab period

•  constructive participation in class discussions

•  consistent level of effort and attention to class

•  effective collaboration with partners

•  demonstrated acquisition of laboratory skills

Final Oral Presentation - 30% of total grade.