This course is for students working with or interested in rodent behavioral analysis, particularly in mice. It aims to provide a solid understanding of basic behavioral tests for phenotypic characterization of rodents, particularly mice, focusing on neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, and introduce advanced techniques for behavioral analysis.
Students will learn classical and modern methodologies for studying behavioral paradigms in rodent models and evaluating novel drugs. The course also covers deep learning image analysis, endpoint measurements, optogenetics, and automated behavioral analysis using the IntelliCage system. It includes a practical component with hands-on experience at the Animal Behavior Core Facility, where students will participate in designing experiments, interpreting data, and analyzing results using common protocols and equipment.
Course program
The course will take place from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00 in Campus Solna. The course initially starts with lectures (approximately 10 hours) on how to apply classical and advanced behavioral technologies to different mouse models of neuropsychiatric (schizophrenia, affective disorders, autism) and neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis).
We will teach the principles of Intellicages system, with both theoretical and a practical demonstration of the equipment in the class room. We will also teach optogenetics approaches combined to behavioral tracking and deep learning image analyses as new tool to quantify complex movements in mice.
On day 4 and day 5 the students will be divided in groups of 4-5 and will visit the Animal Behavior Core Facility at KM-B. During the visit, the students will have the possibility to get hands-on on equipment and methods shown in the classes. The invited speakers are worldwide recognized experts, both from KI as well as from abroad.
