PROF. PATEL NILESH B

To understand the neural function, we rely on the analysis of behaviour. Recording changes in behaviour measure the effects of brain damage, drug treatments, and brain repair techniques.  The observation, description, and analysis of behaviour are fundamental to neuroscience, but training in studying behaviour is often ignored in neuroscience programs. A unique resource in Africa for neuroscience research is its fauna. Studying the wildlife of Africa can provide insights into brain function and evolutionary behavioral adaptions.  This workshop provides a basic introduction and approach for conducting behavioral studies on wildlife and laboratory-housed animals. Key issues covered will be the methods for observing, describing and recording behaviour under field and laboratory conditions and the use of behavioural analysis as a measure of sensory, motor and cognitive function.  Students will learn how to define behaviour units, do a qualitative and quantitative recording of behaviour, create an ethogram, how to use specific behavioral tests for cognitive function, and how to analyze behavioural data and write reports.