The goal of the course is to provide students with fundamental concepts focused on the neurobiological basis of animal behavior. Throughout the term, students will explore a range of behaviors in Drosophila, each of which will be associated with different experimental techniques currently used in the field.
- Courtship Main concepts: Innate behavior, sexual dimorphism in the brain.
Techniques: Drosophila handling and basic genetics, immunohistochemistry in adult brains / flourescent microscopy.
- Aggression Main concepts: Complex behaviors. Territoriality and aggression. Genetic control of behavior.
Techniques: Advanced genetic tools for neuronal mapping, genetic manipulation of neuronal activity.
- Feeding Main concepts: Sensory systems, taste perception.
Techniques: Optogenetics.
- Sleep and circadian rhythms Main concepts: Endogenous timekeeping, conservation of genetic networks controlling behaviors across species.
Techniques: Live imaging and the study of neuronal connectivity.
State of the art genetic techniques employed in class will be oriented towards the dissection of neuronal circuits and manipulation of neuronal activity, an approach not currently used in existing laboratory courses. Live imaging and optogenetic experiments will offer students access to some of the most advanced tools currently available for the study of neuronal connectivity.
Course Requirements:
Grades are based on two lab reports, frequent short quizzes before the class and an organized laboratory notebook.
Intended Audience:
Upper-level science majors
Class Format:
1 hour of lecture, 3 hours of lab