Brain Research Lab Manual

 

 


Expectations

 

1.     A weekly lab time commitment is required of each student and this expectation is to be met with promptness and diligence.  If in the extraordinary case one is unable to meet this commitment, it is required that the lab is made aware as far in advance as possible.

 

2.     By the end of the term it is expected that each student should be able to perform the lab protocols provided in this manual.

 

3.     After each procedure every student is expected to clean the lab space and all equipment utilized.

 

4.     Computer workstations are available to be used for lab related work only.  After computer use please leave the working area clean and clear of all personal belongings or work items.

 

5.     All personal belongings are to be kept in the lockers in the hall outside the lab, i.e. coats, food, books, etc.  If you want it locked up, claim your locker and provide your own lock.

 

6.     Each evening it is strongly expected that the lab be in order for the next day.  This includes: cleaning of all glassware and instruments, counter tops, garbage disposal, any waste on the floors, and all equipment covered.

 

7.     Attendance and participation at weekly lab meetings is considered critical.  Each week, progress in the lab will be discussed.  In addition, the group led by the instructor, will critique a relevant research article assigned the week before.  This exercise exists to provide a conceptual framework around the research in this lab.

 

8.     Telephones in the lab are reserved for lab use only (incoming and outgoing) since a per call charge is assigned for local connections.  A courtesy phone is located at the buildings entrance for personal calls.

 

9.     Animals are to be handled with the utmost respect.  Any mistreatment or unethical behavior with the animals will result in immediate dismissal from the lab and further disciplinary action by the university.

 

Importance of Research Scheduling

 

As scientists it is most important to handle projects to the point of being fastidious.  There are hosts of confounding variables in behavioral neuroscience, so we must be certain to control for what we can.  Consistency is the key and should be practiced with animal handling, behavioral testing, feeding, surgery, etc.  Scheduling within a project must be met with strict adherence.  Procedures should be conducted at the place and time scheduled.  For example: a perfusion scheduled for a certain time of the day must be performed at that time.  Any deviations may compromise the integrity of the research results.

 

 

Authorship

 

Determination of authorship and the order of authorship for any manuscript resulting from research conducted in this lab will be made by the Lab Director (Dr. Gary Dunbar). 

 

The following guidelines from the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) guidelines for authorship will be used in this determination:

 

All persons designated as authors should qualify for authorship. …Authorship credit should be based only on substantial contributions to 1) conception and design, or analysis and interpretation of data; and to 2) drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content; and on 3) final approval of the version to be published.  Conditions 1, 2, and 3 must all be met.  

 

 

Data

 

All raw data belongs to the Lab Director (Dr. Gary Dunbar).  As such, under no circumstances, will any form of data be allowed to exit this lab, without the Lab Director’s prior approval.  This includes any behavioral data sheets, video, slides or computer data required for analysis of results.

 

 

Safety

 

ü     Common Sense and when in doubt take safety precautions

ü     Check protocols for particular related safety precautions

 

  1. If you believe you are allergy prone, be sure to wear gloves, mask and coat at all times

 

  1. Eye wash station is located in the surgery room for any eye related incidents

 

  1. Wear heavy gloves when handling the animals to prevent injury from biting

 

  1. Clean all animal excrement immediately to keep the lab as hygienic as possible

 

  1. Do not leave open syringes lying around for any reason.  Dispose of sharps in the sharps disposal container.

 

  1. No food or drink will be consumed in the practical areas of the lab.

 

  1. Do not use equipment or instruments (e.g., analytical balance, microscope, etc.) without supervision until the Lab Director or a Graduate Assistant clears you for unsupervised use.

 

  1. In case of emergency such as a chemical spill, animal bite or injuries contact immediately a graduate student and/or the Lab Director for assistance.

 

  1. The Brain Research Lab web site contains further safety details which should be perused before conducting research.

 

 

Supervision

 

Undergrads are under the guidance of a graduate student at all times and are not expected to or allowed to perform procedures without supervision.  Graduate students will not abuse this role by requesting undergraduates to perform tasks simply because they do not wish to perform them.  Graduate students are in a mentorship position and their goal will be to teach undergraduates all skills required to work in this lab in a professional manner.    

 

All senior graduate students are in a position to be approached by undergraduates with any issues that arise within the lab, i.e. safety, procedures, disagreements, etc.  As such, graduate students are viewed as role models and are expected to perform an advisory role.

 

Evaluation

 

Each lab member should feel as though they are under evaluation at all times.  Behavior not in line with this manual could result in expulsion from the lab.