Teaching Labs (click on the image to access the lab materials)
Lab 1: Dissection of the Sheep Brain
click on the image to access resources
This lab provides an introduction to neuroanatomy through the dissection of the sheep brain. The lab requires 2-4 hours to complete. Five resources are available.
*1.) A full color atlas of the sheep brain (labeled and unlabeled images).
*2.) A handout designed to be printed out and used in class to dissect a sheep brain (two students per brain).
*3.) Password protected supplemental material (background materials, answer keys, test bank, labeled slides) based on the lab that are available only for faculty to download.
*4.) An online video dissection of the sheep brain.
*Indicates available materials **Version II of the atlas is currently available. We plan to expand the collection of histological sections as they become available.
*1.) A full color atlas of the sheep brain (labeled and unlabeled images).
*2.) A handout designed to be printed out and used in class to dissect a sheep brain (two students per brain).
*3.) Password protected supplemental material (background materials, answer keys, test bank, labeled slides) based on the lab that are available only for faculty to download.
*4.) An online video dissection of the sheep brain.
*Indicates available materials **Version II of the atlas is currently available. We plan to expand the collection of histological sections as they become available.
click on the image to access resources
Lab 1B: Removal, Sectioning and Staining of the Frog Brain
This lab provides an introduction to CNS histology and comparative anatomy through the removal of the frog brain and preparation for thin-sectioning. The lab requires 4-10 hours to complete. Three resources are available.
*1.) A full color dissection guide for the removal of the frog brain from fixed specimens.
*2.) A handout designed to be printed out and used in class to remove the frog brain and spinal cord (two students per frog).
3.) A full color histology Atlas for cresyl violet.
*Indicates available materials **Version I of the atlas is currently available. We plan to expand the collection of histological sections as they become available.
Lab 2: Effects of Marijuana (THC) on Anxiety
click on the image to access resources
This lab provides an introduction to research methods, statistics, behavioral pharmacology and drug abuse. The lab involves the completion of a between-subjects research design using the murine light-dark model of anxiety. The lab requires 3-6 hours of class/lab time to complete and is suitable for introductory and advanced courses.
Five resources are available.
1.) A lab handout for students. The handout contains an overview of the study, a description of the methods, data
collection sheets and instructions for data analysis.
2.) Password protected supplemental materials (e.g., slides, subject codes, test bank) based on the lab that are
available only for faculty to download.
3.) An online study guide for students.
4.) Videotaped test sessions of five subjects treated with THC and five controls.
5.) Optional data collection software and statistics package for Mac OS and Windows.
This lab is now available. New materials will be added as they become available.
Five resources are available.
1.) A lab handout for students. The handout contains an overview of the study, a description of the methods, data
collection sheets and instructions for data analysis.
2.) Password protected supplemental materials (e.g., slides, subject codes, test bank) based on the lab that are
available only for faculty to download.
3.) An online study guide for students.
4.) Videotaped test sessions of five subjects treated with THC and five controls.
5.) Optional data collection software and statistics package for Mac OS and Windows.
This lab is now available. New materials will be added as they become available.
Lab 3: Cholinergic Neurotransmission Lab
click on the image to access resources
This lab provides an introduction to the role of cholinergic neurotransmission in the control of behavior. The lab involves the completion of a double-blind study of 20 subjects that were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or 5 mg/kg of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor tacrine. Students complete a brief review of the literature and then formulate hypotheses to predict the effects of tacrine on both the brain and open-field behavior of mice. The open-field behavior is scored followed by analysis of acetylcholinesterase activity. The project develops skills in behavioral analysis, interpreting histology and neuroanatomy. The lab requires 2-6 hours of class/lab time to complete and is suitable for introductory and advanced courses in neuroscience and behavioral pharmacology.
Four resources are currently available.
1.) A lab handout for students. The handout contains an overview of the study, a description of the methods, data
collection sheets and instructions for data analysis.
2.) Histology. Slides stained for acetylcholinesterase for each subject tested in the open-field for image analysis using image-J.
3.) Digital video of the open-field test sessions for each subject.
4.) Professors can access treatment codes and obtain lab handouts by emailing rdeyo@winona.edu. There is no charge for these resources for professors at nonprofit colleges and universities.
Four resources are currently available.
1.) A lab handout for students. The handout contains an overview of the study, a description of the methods, data
collection sheets and instructions for data analysis.
2.) Histology. Slides stained for acetylcholinesterase for each subject tested in the open-field for image analysis using image-J.
3.) Digital video of the open-field test sessions for each subject.
4.) Professors can access treatment codes and obtain lab handouts by emailing rdeyo@winona.edu. There is no charge for these resources for professors at nonprofit colleges and universities.
Human Experiments
We have begun to make a series of programs for use with human participants that can be used for research or teaching purposes. As we complete them, a brief description will be provided below. The programs will contain both Mac OS and Windows versions unless otherwise stated. Restrictions: we request that if you use the program in your research that you cite NeuroscienceCourses.com as the source of the software. This software may be used for your educational or research purposes but all rights are reserved. The software may not be sold or distributed in any form other than from NeuroscienceCourses.com. Versions of the software with alternative instructions, word lists, pre-test screening surveys, saving options are available or may be designed specifically for your needs. For information send an email to Dr. R. Deyo at rdeyo@winona.edu. Use SPE inquiry in the subject line.
Serial Position Effect (Downloads). This experiment is designed to test learning and memory while also providing graphs that can be used to demonstrate the serial position effect. The instructions for using the software are given on screen at each step of the experiment. We have used this experiment to study the effects of caffeine on learning and memory in student-faculty research projects and we currently use it in our Introduction to Psychology courses to demonstrate the serial position effect and the impact on learning.
To download the program click on Downloads. Open the zip file. Do not change the name of the folder and leave on your computer's desktop. Click on SPE.app for Macs and SPE.exe for Windows operating systems. Compatible with 64 bit systems. Follow the on screen instructions. Note: the data is saved to a single file called "unknown" within the folder. If you run multiple subjects you will need to make back ups of the data file and rename them.
Time required: 3-5 minutes per trial.
Outline:
Four Practice Words presented 1 at a time
20 second delay after the last word
60 second free recall test is then given for the participant/student to type their responses (order does not matter)
Five or more Learning Trials
25 words presented 1 at a time
20 second delay after the last word
60 second free recall test is then given for the participant/student to type their responses (order does not matter)
Note: the data is saved to a single file called "unknown" within the folder. If you run multiple subjects you will need to make back ups of the data file and rename them.
Recommended Variations for Classes
1.) Massed versus Spaced trials. We often divide our class into two groups. Group 1 (cramming or massed trials) completes all five trials in the same day with a one to five minute break break between trials. Group 2 (spaced trials) will complete only one trial per day over five days. Then a paper and pencil free recall test (lasting 60 seconds) is given to both groups. The data is collected and analyzed. As expected those in the massed trials group perform at a significantly lower rate than those in the spaced trials. As a follow up, do a second retest towards the end of the semester (at least a month or more later) and you will find an even larger group difference in favor of the spaced trial group.
2.) Drug use/sleep effects. This may be a bit tricky to set up and may require an IRB approval from your institution. Group students by caffeine, marijuana use, cell phone or amount of sleep (anonymous of course -- coded) but hold method of training constant. To evaluate the effects of sleep on learning, try and use sleep data from a "smart watch" to confirm sleep amounts (for some manufactures you can break it down by REM and other phases). For cell phone use overall use is less important than night time use (e.g., do they turn the phone off at night or leave it on?; do they use the phone right up until bed time?).
Coming Soon a Computerized Mirror Tracing program.
We have begun to make a series of programs for use with human participants that can be used for research or teaching purposes. As we complete them, a brief description will be provided below. The programs will contain both Mac OS and Windows versions unless otherwise stated. Restrictions: we request that if you use the program in your research that you cite NeuroscienceCourses.com as the source of the software. This software may be used for your educational or research purposes but all rights are reserved. The software may not be sold or distributed in any form other than from NeuroscienceCourses.com. Versions of the software with alternative instructions, word lists, pre-test screening surveys, saving options are available or may be designed specifically for your needs. For information send an email to Dr. R. Deyo at rdeyo@winona.edu. Use SPE inquiry in the subject line.
Serial Position Effect (Downloads). This experiment is designed to test learning and memory while also providing graphs that can be used to demonstrate the serial position effect. The instructions for using the software are given on screen at each step of the experiment. We have used this experiment to study the effects of caffeine on learning and memory in student-faculty research projects and we currently use it in our Introduction to Psychology courses to demonstrate the serial position effect and the impact on learning.
To download the program click on Downloads. Open the zip file. Do not change the name of the folder and leave on your computer's desktop. Click on SPE.app for Macs and SPE.exe for Windows operating systems. Compatible with 64 bit systems. Follow the on screen instructions. Note: the data is saved to a single file called "unknown" within the folder. If you run multiple subjects you will need to make back ups of the data file and rename them.
Time required: 3-5 minutes per trial.
Outline:
Four Practice Words presented 1 at a time
20 second delay after the last word
60 second free recall test is then given for the participant/student to type their responses (order does not matter)
Five or more Learning Trials
25 words presented 1 at a time
20 second delay after the last word
60 second free recall test is then given for the participant/student to type their responses (order does not matter)
Note: the data is saved to a single file called "unknown" within the folder. If you run multiple subjects you will need to make back ups of the data file and rename them.
Recommended Variations for Classes
1.) Massed versus Spaced trials. We often divide our class into two groups. Group 1 (cramming or massed trials) completes all five trials in the same day with a one to five minute break break between trials. Group 2 (spaced trials) will complete only one trial per day over five days. Then a paper and pencil free recall test (lasting 60 seconds) is given to both groups. The data is collected and analyzed. As expected those in the massed trials group perform at a significantly lower rate than those in the spaced trials. As a follow up, do a second retest towards the end of the semester (at least a month or more later) and you will find an even larger group difference in favor of the spaced trial group.
2.) Drug use/sleep effects. This may be a bit tricky to set up and may require an IRB approval from your institution. Group students by caffeine, marijuana use, cell phone or amount of sleep (anonymous of course -- coded) but hold method of training constant. To evaluate the effects of sleep on learning, try and use sleep data from a "smart watch" to confirm sleep amounts (for some manufactures you can break it down by REM and other phases). For cell phone use overall use is less important than night time use (e.g., do they turn the phone off at night or leave it on?; do they use the phone right up until bed time?).
Coming Soon a Computerized Mirror Tracing program.