AlaskaX: Behavioral Neuroscience: Foundations of Compulsive Behaviors

Enroll in the first MOOC to teach behavioral neuroscience research using laboratory mice. In this self-paced, free online course, you will learn responsible conduct of research and how to collect scientific data using two different tests that measure compulsions, and interpret and discuss the results in the context of obsessive-compulsive disorder in humans.

Behavioral Neuroscience Course

Offered by AlaskaX

Course Description

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of behavioral neuroscience with this comprehensive course offered by AlaskaX. This introductory-level course delves into the fascinating realm of mouse behavior research and its implications for understanding human cognition and mental health disorders. You'll gain hands-on experience in analyzing mouse behavior, learn about responsible research practices, and explore the connections between animal models and human psychiatric conditions, particularly focusing on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

What Students Will Learn

Responsible animal handling and research ethics
Data collection and analysis techniques for mouse behavior studies
Understanding of OCD in humans and compulsive-like behaviors in mice
Interpretation of research results in the context of human behavior and psychiatric disorders
Formulation of original research hypotheses in behavioral sciences
Critical thinking skills to connect basic research to potential improvements in human mental health

Prerequisites

There are no specific prerequisites for this course. However, students should be comfortable with the idea of using mice in research and have an interest in neuroscience, biology, or psychology.

Course Content

Fundamentals of behavioral neuroscience research
Ethical considerations and responsible conduct in animal research
Mouse handling and care techniques
Data collection methods for mouse behavior studies
Analysis of compulsive-like behaviors in mice
Understanding OCD in humans and its animal model counterparts
Interpretation of research results and their implications for human behavior
Formulation of research hypotheses in behavioral sciences
Connection between basic research and potential improvements in human mental health

Who This Course Is For

Undergraduate students interested in neuroscience, psychology, or biology
Aspiring researchers in behavioral sciences or neuropsychology
Healthcare professionals seeking to understand the foundations of psychiatric disorders
Anyone curious about the biological basis of human behavior and mental health conditions

Real-World Applications

Pursuing careers in neuroscience research or pharmaceutical development
Conducting behavioral studies in academic or industrial settings
Contributing to the development of new treatments for psychiatric disorders
Applying a deeper understanding of human behavior to fields such as psychology, education, or marketing
Enhancing critical thinking and data analysis skills applicable to various scientific disciplines

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)

Module 4: Compulsive-like behavior: Data collection and analysis of marble burying behavior

Module 5: Interpretation of results

This course offers a unique opportunity to gain practical skills in behavioral neuroscience research while exploring the fascinating connections between animal models and human behavior. By enrolling, you'll be taking a significant step towards understanding the complexities of the human brain and potentially contributing to advancements in mental health research.