Introduction
& Objectives
This
course is a combined lecture and practical course on Mouse Transgenics
and Behaviour. It is modelled on the successful Mouse Behaviour course
that has been run at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (USA) for several years,
which the organisers of the present course helped to set up and continue
to play a part. Our aim is to bring to Europe a course which lays out the
principles of behavioural analysis of phenotype that should be helpful
to molecular neurobiologists creating animals with transgenic mutations
of various kinds. More specifically, our aim is:
| 1. |
to
outline conceptual issues in neuroscience and related disciplines
to which targeted molecular engineering techniques are making a contribution |
| 2. |
to
outline methodological issues that need to be considered in designing
analytically effective behavioural experiments, particularly in relation
to neuronal plasticity, learning and memory |
| 3. |
to
provide practical experience in designing, running and analysing
behavioural experiments. |
To whom the
course is aimed
The
course is intended for early postdoctoral or advanced graduate students
in molecular neurobiology, neuroscience, physiology, behavioural pharmacology
and experimental psychology. We anticipate that approximately half of the
students accepted onto the course will be molecular biologists. There will
be a maximum of 16 places available.
Why
these techniques are scientifically important
Behavioural
techniques are being increasingly used to analyse the phenotype of mutant
mice (and rats). They complement physiological, pharmacological and anatomical
techniques whose importance will also be discussed in the course. Behavioural
experiments provide an end-point in the analysis of function such that,
if designed appropriately, they can provide unique information about the
role of genes in sensorimotor behaviour, perception, attention, learning
and memory, or other aspects of higher cognitive function.
Course structure
For
a detailed timetable of the course, click on the "Programme" button. The
basic framework has been agreed with EMBL and FENS to be as follows:
Mornings:
One conceptual lecture (on a neuroscience issue, eg long-term potentiation)
followed by one methodological lecture (on an aspect of behavioural
or molecular biological methodology, eg the watermaze, site directed mutagenesis,
etc).
Afternoons
& evenings: Practical work in 4 groups
of 4 students each attending demonstrations (eg electrophysiological recording
in freely-moving animals) or conducting behavioural experiments. These
will include a set of 4 mini-projects (one per group) which are genuine
research projects with mutant mice or transgenic rats involving experiments
that have not been done before.
Late
afternoons: One hour feedback discussion
sessions with the morning lecturers of that day. An opportunity to ask
detailed questions, start debates about the value of various techniques.
Ethical
discussions: The course will include one
morning devoted exclusively to discussion of the ethics of, and UK legal
framework in which, behavioural experiments are conducted. This will also
provide a chance to share views about laboratory practice in different
European countries. |