Physiological Psychology Research Training Program

本项目的目标是提升瓦萨学院生理心理学的研究训练计划。由于我们的教学/研究实验室空间现代化，我们现在正在整合更复杂的技术来探索与行为系统相关的生理过程。当前项目的主要目标是将神经化学技术，特别是神经肽免疫细胞化学和脑酶分析结合到这门特殊的课程中。第二个目标是为学生提供机会，让他们在先进的独立研究项目中继续并结合当代神经化学方法来探索生理和行为系统之间的关系。实验练习改编自“万花筒计划”工作坊中演示的练习。这些设备也被教师，尤其是这个项目的PI，在正在进行的教师研究项目中使用，这些项目每学期都有几个本科生参与。最后，除了加强心理学系的研究训练计划外，本课程的实验室部分的升级预计将对生物心理学专业的课程产生实质性的积极影响。

Biological Sciences (61) The goal of this project is to upgrade the research training program in physiological psychology at Vassar College. As a result of the modernization of our teaching/research laboratory space, we are now incorporating more sophisticated techniques for exploring physiological processes that are correlated with behavioral systems. A main goal of the current project is to incorporate neurochemical techniques, specifically neuropeptide immunocytochemistry and brain enzyme analyses, in this particular course. A secondary goal is to provide opportunities for students to continue on and incorporate contemporary neurochemical approaches to exploring relationships between physiological and behavioral systems in their advanced independent research projects. The laboratory exercises are adapted from exercises demonstrated at a Project Kaleidoscope workshop. The equipment is also being used by faculty, especially the PI of this project, in ongoing faculty research programs, programs that actively involve several undergraduate students each semester. Finally, in addition to enhancing the research training program in the Psychology Department, upgrading of the laboratory component of this course is expected to have substantial positive effects on the curriculum of the Biopsychology Program.