The goals of the course are to introduce laboratory techniques within a framework of solving research problems. This is to enhance the understanding of neuroscience, as well as to provide laboratory skills. Review questions will be included for the end of each laboratory session, original research papers will be read and discussed, and students will be given the opportunity to design experiments through an independent research project. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches will be used to analyze experimental data obtained by the student so that the student will not only gain experience in specific laboratory techniques, but will also gain a feel for the research process itself by active participation in research. In addition to techniques practiced in the course, additional techniques employed in research will be presented through lecture. Techniques will include plasmid engineering and analysis, cell culture growth and transfection, Western blotting, immunoprecipitations, cryostat sectioning, immunohistochemistry, and confocal fluorescence microscopy. |