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New Neurons for You After All |
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 In this Moodle-based e-lab, students replicate research conducted by Elizabeth Gould, Ph.D., on the effects of exercise and social living conditions on neurogenesis in rats. The components of this Moodle-based e-lab include: (1) a brief tutorial on the history of neurogenesis research and the methods used by scientists to identify newly born neurons; (2) an introduction to the experimental design employed to conduct the research; (3) a tutorial on how to identify BrdU-labeled cells in thin slices of rat hippocampal tissue; (4) a digital image analysis module in which students use ImageJ to count newly born neurons in research images and send the counts to an online database; (5) a statistical analysis module in which students use Rpad to check and graph their research results; and (6) a summary lesson in which students come to conclusions about the research they have conducted, propose an additional research hypothesis about neurogenesis that could be tested by a scientist, and write a brief essay about the societal implications of this research. Along the way, students receive feedback to help them understand and apply neurogenesis research.
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Students analyze real neuroimaging data. |
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Fully automated. Instructor intervention not required. |
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Moodle-based learning management system provides multiple-choice, matching, and essay assessment items. |
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Automated response rubrics provided for essay items. |
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Student work is e-mailed to the instructor. |
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Community forum for students to discuss implications of the research featured in the e-lab. |
PURCHASE THE E-LAB NOW!
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| $1/student. Faculty members assign the lab to students. Students register and purchase the e-lab here. Assessment results are e-mailed to faculty members. |
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Faculty members, complete the request a coupon code form to receive free lifetime access to the e-lab.
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System Requirements
The e-lab features two apps—ImageJA and Rpad—that have specific browser and Java requirements.
Browser:
Safari or Chrome browsers recommended to ensure that ImageJA and the statistical analysis tool (Rpad) function properly. Make sure your browser is up to date.
Java:
Both ImageJ-A and Rpad use Java, and may not function properly if you do not have the most up-to-date version. (Mac users – Run your software updates. PC users – Check to see if your Java is up-to-date by visiting http://www.java.com/en/download/testjava.jsp.) |
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