Project Description
Project Objectives: The purpose of this project is for the student to learn how to record from neurons in brain slices using visually-guided, whole-cell, patch-clamp techniques. We begin with understanding ohm’s law and applying this knowledge to a “model cell” (a resister and capacitor in parallel) to begin collecting simulated data. After learning the software, we will create voltage-current plots to calculate the input resistance of the model cell. The student will also learn to successfully prepare electrodes and obtained recordings from neurons within brain slices. These are not trivial techniques, so a great deal of focus will be spent on the technical aspects while a graduate student and/or technician prepares the healthy brain slices for recording. The next step will be for the student to learn how to prepare brain slices, once there has now been an adequate mastery of the procedures involved in using the neurophysiology rig and its associated software.
Tasks and Responsibilites
The student will learn a tremendous amount about conducting advanced neurobiological research, which will enhance their understanding of what it takes to succeed in graduate school. Weekly meetings will provide the theoretical framework, and this will continue throughout the students career. Exposure to graduate level research projects will allow the student to develop an understanding for research procedures, such as the planning and carrying out of research, data collection and interpretation, and ultimately writing up results in the form of a poster or manuscript for publication. Additional skills to be learned include reading and writing in a scientific format, working as a research team to achieve goals, and time management. Acquisition of these concepts will make them stronger academically and will provide the experience necessary for continued growth as is evident in the high rate of undergraduate research students in the lab that continue their education in graduate or professional school.
Desired Qualifications
None listed.