Course Description

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of behavioral neuroscience with this intermediate-level online course offered by the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Led by the esteemed Dr. Abel Bult-Ito, this course delves deep into the fascinating realm of mental health conditions, with a particular focus on anxiety and depression. Through hands-on research experience using laboratory mice, you'll gain invaluable insights into the biological basis of human behavior and psychiatric disorders.

What students will learn from the course:

• Master research methods using behavioral tests to observe and measure anxiety and depression in laboratory mice.
• Collect and analyze behavioral data from various mouse strains, including a mouse model of OCD.
• Develop proficiency in data visualization and interpretation of results in the context of human behavior and psychiatric disorders.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of anxiety and depression characteristics in humans and animal models.
• Learn to compare and contrast compulsive-like, anxiety-like, and depression-like behaviors in mice with equivalent human conditions.
• Cultivate the ability to formulate original research hypotheses.
• Understand the significance of basic research in contributing to the animal model of OCD and its potential impact on improving healthcare and human condition.

Prerequisites or skills necessary to complete the course:

• Completion of NEURO1x: Behavioral Neuroscience: Foundations of Compulsive Behaviors
• Completion of accompanying Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) training
• No objections to using mice in research

What the course will cover:

• Introduction to anxiety and depression in humans and animal models
• Open field test for measuring anxiety-like behaviors in mice
• Tail suspension test for measuring depression-like behaviors in mice
• Data collection and analysis techniques for behavioral tests
• Interpretation of results in the context of human psychiatric disorders
• Comparison of compulsive-like, anxiety-like, and depression-like behaviors in mice to human conditions
• The role of animal models in studying human psychiatry
• Formulation of original research hypotheses
• Ethical considerations in animal research

Who this course is for:

This course is ideal for students, researchers, and professionals in the fields of biology, psychology, neuroscience, and related disciplines who are interested in advancing their understanding of behavioral neuroscience and mental health conditions. It's particularly suited for those who want to gain hands-on experience in research methods and data analysis, as well as individuals looking to contribute to the development of animal models for psychiatric disorders.

How learners can use these skills in the real world:

• Pursuing careers in neuroscience research, pharmaceutical development, or mental health fields
• Contributing to the development of new treatments for anxiety, depression, and OCD
• Applying research methodologies to various scientific disciplines
• Enhancing critical thinking and data analysis skills applicable to many professions
• Understanding the biological basis of human behavior, which can be valuable in fields such as psychology, education, and healthcare
• Developing a foundation for further studies in neuroscience, biology, or related fields

Syllabus:

1. Module 1: Introduction, Anxiety: Background - open field test
2. Module 2: Anxiety: Data Collection and Analysis
3. Module 3: Depression: Background - tail suspension test
4. Module 4: Depression: Data Collection and Analysis
5. Module 5: Interpretation of results

This comprehensive course will provide you with a solid foundation in behavioral neuroscience research, equipping you with valuable skills and knowledge that can open doors to exciting career opportunities and contribute to advancements in mental health research.