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CS92PROD
Research Methods: Behavioral Methods in Animal Research
PSYC 215
Spring 2016 not offered
Crosslisting: NS&B 215

This is a research methods course that provides an understanding of the different approaches to animal research, particularly those using rodent models. It provides students with an understanding of the different techniques employed by researchers and the questions they address. This course provides students with HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE WITH ANIMAL RESEARCH USING RODENT MODELS. Students will also get a sense of how to design a behavioral experiment, including the use of control groups and counterbalancing. The course will follow a lecture/discussion format where students will learn about different forms of conditioning (operant/classical) and how these apply to various behavioral tasks such as autoshaping, self-administration, fear conditioning, etc. (see readings for more examples). This will be combined with regular class discussion of research articles dealing with each topic, including some of the earlier reports and more recent applications. The focus of the course will be on trying to prepare students to design and carry out behavioral/animal research in a laboratory setting. Students will get to carry out their own animal research project in the lab. Research projects will last approximately two weeks and will require a heavier time commitment during this time (including some research over the weekends).
Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: NSM PSYC
Course Format: Lecture / DiscussionGrading Mode: Graded
Level: UGRD Prerequisites: PSYC105 OR [NS&B213 or BIOL213 or PSYC240]
Fulfills a Requirement for: (NS&B)(STS)

Last Updated on NOV-11-2024
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