Methods in Behavioral Neurosciences

Course Objective

The main aim of this course is that students will acquire an in depth
understanding of behavioral constructs and validity of several widely
used animal models in neuroscience. Related to this, students will learn
about exciting new technological developments to study the neural
underpinnings of behavior.

After the course, students will be able to:
1) Explain the behavioral read-outs of several well-established animal
models of human behavior and disorders.
2) Explain the pros and cons of the different models/techniques that
have been discussed.
3) Determine and explain which behavioral paradigm and/or technique
should be used to address a specific research question.
4) Write a CCD (central committee for animal experiments) protocol based
on societal and scientific relevance and the three Rs. An approved CCD
protocol is a mandatory first step to obtain animals for research in The
Netherlands.

Course Content

Focus of the course is on widely used animal models that allow a
mechanistic dissection of behavioral phenotypes and disorder symptoms at
the level of neuronal circuits, cells and molecules. We will examine
paradigms of learning and memory, addictive behavior, impulsivity and
depression, as well as genetic models (e.g. Alzheimer's disease). We
will demonstrate how these models can be integrated with
state-of-the-art techniques, such as viral vectors, optogenetics,
chemogenetics and in vivo calcium imaging to dissect the neural
correlates of behavior. In particular, advantages and limitations of the
use of the different animal models and techniques will be explained and
discussed.

In addition to lectures, students will debate about the pros and cons of
selected animal models and how they have contributed to a better
understanding of normal and aberrant behavior.

Furthermore, we will teach students how to write a CCD protocol. In most
countries, it is mandatory to motivate the scientific and societal
relevance of the use of animals in research. Related to this, students
will learn to provide a careful justification of the number of animals
and the degree of discomfort that they will experience to address a
specific research question.

Additional Information Teaching Methods

- Lectures (~20 h, mandatory)
- Debate sessions (~6 h, mandatory)
- Writing of a CCD protocol (mandatory).
- Tours through the mouse and rat facility at the VU (~3 h).

Mind that this is a full-time course. Students are expected to use the
remaining time for self-study (lectures and associated articles),
writing of the CCD protocol and preparation of the debate sessions.

Method of Assessment

1) Exam with open questions about the lectures (40%)
2) CCD protocol (40%)
3) Debate sessions (30%)

For all three assessment forms, the minimal grade has to be 5.5 to pass
the course.

Entry Requirements

Basic knowledge of animal behavior, physiology and neurobiology.

Literature

- Scientific articles
- Lecture slides

Additional Information Target Audience

MSc Neurosciences students

Additional Information

There is a minimum of 6 participants in the course, and a maximum of 15
participants.
Mail the course coordinator in case you subscribed, but you are
not going to attend the course.

Explanation Canvas

The final course schedule will become available on Canvas.
The written CCD protocols have to be submitted to Canvas.

Recommended background knowledge

Basic knowledge of animal behavior, physiology and neurobiology.