Evaluation of a new advanced neuroscience lab exercise: using lipophilic dye to label axonal projections in zebrafish

Graduation Date

2013

Document Type

Thesis

Program

Other

Program

Thesis (M.A.)--Humboldt State University, Psychology: Academic Research, 2013

Committee Chair Name

Ethan Gahtan

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Tract tracing, Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Psychology, Psychology, Education, Neuron labeling, Zebrafish, Embryo, Reticulospinal, Hands on learning, Hindbrain, Neuroscience, Experiential learning, Spinal cord, Dye labeling, Sensorimotor

Abstract

A detailed protocol is proposed to efficiently label axon pathways in the zebrafish nervous system as an addition to a gross anatomy brain dissection component of an advanced behavioral neuroscience lab course. A strategy for evaluating the learning effectiveness of this exercise was developed. Hands on education in laboratory science courses facilitate learning of concepts and methods (Hofstein and Lunetta, 2002). The proposed lab exercise targets 3 main areas for instruction: fluorescence microscopy methods, histological methods, and conceptual information about the role of the neural pathway between the hindbrain and spinal cord in sensory and motor behavior. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups, the experimental group who participated in the hands on learning labeling lab and a control group who did not. A quiz was given to both groups after the studies secession and the results were not statistically significant due to sample size and testing accuracy. However, this study does show that experiential learning in science courses is effective at promoting a motivated attitude to learn which should lead to greater learning.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/1j92gb00t

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