Q: Do I need to take any neuroscience courses before I enroll in this course?

A: This course is not an introduction to neuroscience; it focuses specifically on behavioral neuroscience research within the context of compulsive behaviors. It does not require an in-depth understanding of neurons, neuroanatomy, the nervous system, or human brain function in order to successfully complete the course. This course does not cover neurobiology, cognitive science, or in-depth data analysis. NEURO1x is a prerequisite for this course.

Q: Can I major in behavioral neuroscience?

A: The University of Alaska Fairbanks does not have a specific behavioral neuroscience major, but The UAF Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers M.S. or Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with research opportunities including molecular and cellular neuroscience supported through The Dept. of Biology and Wildlife.

Q: Are new mice used for this course?

A: No. All the mice were used in other courses and experiments prior to including them in this course.

Q: Do any mice suffer while participating in the behavioral test?

A: No. Some of the behavioral tests may have been stressful, such as the forced swim test or the tail suspension test. However, the stress was equivalent to what a mouse might experience while living in the animal facility, such as reestablishing a dominance hierarchy in a new and clean home cage.

Q: Are the mice killed at the end of the behavioral tests?

A: Yes. The mice were euthanized following federally required euthanasia procedures that minimize pain and distress. Most mice were used for several tests in order to reduce the total number of mice used.

Q: What happens if a mouse gets sick?

A: If a mouse got sick, it was checked by animal care and/or veterinary staff. If the illness was minor and treatable, it received appropriate care and was returned to its home cage. If the illness was severe, the mouse was euthanized following federally required euthanasia procedures that minimize pain and distress. Subsequently, the animal was necropsied to identify the cause of death. Causes of death usually included a tumor, kidney failure, a genetic anomaly, or an infection. Very few mice became ill.

Q: What happens if a mouse dies?

A: If a mouse died, it was necropsied to identify the cause of death. Causes of death usually included a tumor, kidney failure, a genetic anomaly, or an infection. Very few mice died.