Week 4 – Neurophysiology Module
This module was originally designed by Ms. Devon Jones and Dr. Ana Tomljenovic-Berube in the School of Interdisciplinary Science. Slides have been donated by Dr. Katie Moisse (School of Interdisciplinary Science) from her doctoral research at University of Western Ontario.
Module Overview
In this Neurophysiology Module, we will investigate how aging impacts the nervous system by investigating neuronal communication across neural networks. The lecture will provide general background information about the nervous system (e.g. neurons, their connections and communication) and how these biological behaviors can be modelled using computer software. In the lab, you will investigate the central nervous system through prepared slides of mouse brains, with induced neurodegeneration. You will make measurements and try using a t-test to determine statistical significance in your experimental data. In the tutorial, the case study will investigate a specific age-related neurodegenerative disorder, called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, students should be able to:
- Use a Primostar compound light microscope to capture images.
- Use ImageJ to measure the area of regions of tissue in captured images.
- Organize large data sets using Excel and complete statistical analysis by running a t test.
- Reflect on the significance of your results following statistical analysis.
- Describe the background information and the experimental design of your experiments in a manner similar to what would be submitted in a scientific journal.
- Explain how neurons function, and the role they play in neurodegenerative diseases.
Missed work
If you miss the lab, tutorial or any work associated with this module, here are the details on accommodations.
