Handbook

This course examines research and theory on memory and motivation as they underpin adaptive behaviour. The focus is primarily on animal research but the application of this work to the understanding of memory and motivation in humans will be made explicit. For example, the implications of this work for our understanding of memory disorders in humans, and the origin and treatment of clinical disorders will be discussed.  The laboratory component of the course will provide “hands on” experience in observing various aspects of rodent behaviour that are frequently used in studies on the psychobiology of memory and an opportunity for small group discussion/debate on various issues relevant to the material described in the lecture component of the course.

Note that the “hands-on” part of the tutorial will involve handling and experimentation on animal subjects (rats); this work will be group-work (e.g., groups of students will be doing any particular task, and only some will need to actually touch the rats).

The course is divided into the following broad topics: basic concepts of memory; consolidation and reconsolidation; fear memory; spatial memory; extinction of learned fear, and forgetting.