The objective of this class, Introduction to Neuroscience: BIO 159, is to familiarize students with common methodologies and techniques that are used in the field of Neuroscience. In small groups that were divided upon specific topics of interest, students were prompted to explore popular news articles that communicate neuroscience research to a public audience. In our group, we were particularly interested in the neurocircuitry behind addiction and decision making, a topic explored in Dr. Matthew McMurray’s lab. Addiction and decision making is an important topic to investigate in order to provide treatments to those who are currently affected by addiction and preventative actions for those who might be predisposed to addiction. Articles published in the public press that relate to the findings in Dr. McMurray’s lab emphasizes the change in pathways in the brain when responding to repeated drug use. Over time there is a change in the D2 dopamine receptor and observing the neurocircuitry behind these processes, a specific perspective offered by Dr. McMurray’s lab, serves a biological and physiological standpoint in studying this topic that could bridge the gap between environmental and biological factors that lead to addiction. In this presentation, we will explain common techniques used in this field, including Positron Emission Tomography Scans, Operant and Pavlovian Training, and Immunohistochemistry, the latter two in which are specific techniques in Dr. McMurray’s lab.
Authors: Maricela Anderson, Chloe Thach, Shea Thompson, Alexia Zylko
Faculty Advisor: Joyce Fernandes, Biology
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