Measuring the Acoustic Startle Reflex Response in Rats and Mice-Prepulse Inhibition of the Acoustic Startle Reflex (PPI) and Fear Potentiation of the Startle Reflex (FPS)
Course Dates – June 20-22, 2007
Cost - $450

This three-day intensive workshop is geared to introduce or reinforce the technical and practical aspects of classical conditioning approaches that are used to study learning and memory. This is a popular field of research, and our course will cover the academic basis of sensorimotor gating and conditioned fear. Two of the most well-established techniques for experimentally examining these phenomena will be covered: Prepulse Inhibition of the Acoustic Startle Reflex (PPI), and Fear Potentiation of the Startle Reflex (FPS). Both rat and mouse models of FPS and PPI will be examined. Hands-on laboratory exercises will give course attendees direct exposure to these techniques. In addition to the technical details of designing and conducting research protocols, a significant amount of time will be devoted to the practical aspects, such as properly calibrating audio stimuli, aversive stimulus generators, and load cell platforms for both rat and mouse studies. This course will be team taught by experts in the field who have well-respected reputations for teaching and research. Faculty members will be Dr. Bill Falls, from The University of Vermont, Dr. Edward Meloni, from Harvard Medical School/McLean Hospital, and Dr. Ramona Rodriguez, from Duke University. Make sure to register early, as space is very limited in order to provide personal attention to each attendee.

Learning and Memory and Classical Fear Conditioning – The Freeze Response
Course Dates – July 12-13, 2007
Cost - $350

This two-day intensive workshop will cover theoretical and technical aspects related to the study of conditioned fear using the freeze response as a dependent measure.  Laboratory exercises will be performed using an automated video motion analysis system, and this type of system will be compared/contrasted to freeze scores obtained by human observation.  Special attention will be paid to activity and shock reactivity, training, testing, extinction, and context discrimination.  The course will be taught by Dr. Stephan Anagnostaras from UCSD, a recognized authority in murine fear conditioning.  Register early, as class size is limited.

Introduction to the Novel K-Limbic Software System for Behavioral Experimentation Control
Course Date – July 24, 2007
Cost - FREE!

This course is a free workshop developed to expose interested scientists to a new software product, K-Limbic, available to control behavioral research experiments using the classic Med Associates interface system. K-Limbic software is an alternative to MED PC ®, and it requires no programming on the part of the user. This workshop will be conducted by the developer of this innovative software product, Dave Fuller. Register early, as space is limited.

Running Basic MED-PC Programs: An Introduction to MEDLAB® 8
Course Date – July 25, 2007
Cost - FREE!

This course is a free workshop geared to introduce the novice MED PC user, or potential user, to running basic behavioral test protocols using our powerful and flexible MED PC Research Control and Data Acquisition software. Software and equipment installation will be covered. This course will be taught by Dr. Steve Dworkin from The University of North Carolina—Wilmington. Course enrollment is limited, so sign up early to ensure your spot.

An Introduction to Behavioral Research Protocol Programming: Getting Started with MED PC
Course Date - July 26, 2007
Cost - $250

Learn the basics of writing MED State Notation programs to control your behavioral experiments. Instruction will be provided by following the exercises in the MED PC Programmer’s Guide. If you already have worked on your own MED State Notation programs, be prepared to bring examples of them, or bring the details of your behavioral experiments. This will allow you to practice using your own protocols and procedures. This course will be taught by Dr. Steve Dworkin from The University of North Carolina—Wilmington. Course enrollment is limited, so sign up early to ensure your spot.

An Introduction to Self-Administration
Course Date - July 27, 2007
Cost - $250

Gain a basic understanding of the field of drug self-administration as a research tool to study drugs of abuse and mechanisms of learning. This course will present theoretical concepts and will also provide a technical overview of the laboratory equipment necessary to perform self-administration studies. The course will be taught by Dr. Steve Dworkin from The University of North Carolina—Wilmington, an expert in rodent self-administration.