Teaching laboratory neuroscience at bowdoin: the laboratory instructor perspective

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience Education
• Undergraduate Research Training

Background:

• Neuroscience majors require extensive laboratory experience.
• A structured, multi-stage approach enhances student learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the integrated laboratory curriculum for undergraduate Neuroscience majors at Bowdoin College.
• To highlight the role of laboratory instructors in student training and faculty research support.

Main Methods:

• A three-stage laboratory program: core concepts, upper-level specialized courses, and faculty research labs.
• Instruction in state-of-the-art neuroscience techniques.
• Collaboration between laboratory instructors and course professors.

Main Results:

• Students gain comprehensive laboratory research experience through a progressive curriculum.
• Laboratory instructors are integral to student skill development and faculty research facilitation.

Conclusions:

• The multi-stage laboratory curriculum effectively prepares students for careers in neuroscience.
• Laboratory instructors play a crucial role in both education and research at the undergraduate level.