So– I’m enrolled in this pretty great class this semester called, as the title suggests, psychophysiology. Now this is not to be confused with the class I took last year physiological psychology. Yes… they are different. No… I don’t know why the names are so confusingly similar. Anyway, this class is an advanced research methods course in which we are going to develop and implement an experiment using various measurement techniques that can measure everything from blood/oxygen flow to certain parts of the brain, actual neuronal activity, muscle movements and skin conductivity. To quote my professor Jeffrey Sable who is new to Rhodes, “This class just doesn’t exist at other schools.”
And I believe him. I mean where else can I read about a technique like EEG, ERP, EMG etc. and then actually get together the next class and use the technique. While these techniques are not an exact science nor can they be 100% translated into solid conclusions, they are very useful in the fields of both research and medicine in trying to figure what different parts of the brain do as well as looking for various malfunctions etc.
One of the great benefits is that there are only 6 people in the class. Your questions are always answered and it can be as hands on as you would like. Another is that we get to learn about a technique, read recent research that uses that technique and then put it into practice ourselves. Even better, after we’ve finished learning about the techniques we are each going to propose a research project for the class. Then, we will choose one and spend the rest of the semester doing an experiment which we will write up for presentation and hopefully publication by the end of the semester.
Now that I’ve blurted out scientific jargon for way too long, here are some great pictures of the class in action. It is a class of just six students and we are currently learning how to use all of the equipment! This particular day we were learning about ERP. Thanks to Erika for being the guinea pig and letting me take pictures of her all loaded up with electrodes!
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- Getting an electrode put behind her ear. The gauze keeps the electrode paste from getting everywhere.
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- The leads are then plugged into this box so that we can get the recorded information to the computer.
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- Dr. Sable getting everything set up.
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- The output. Yes, that is actual brain activity on the screen!
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- Untangling electrodes
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- Dr. Sable in action.
Cool huh?
Until next time,
Sarah
Hey Sarah! I really enjoy your blogs. I am a senior hoping to attend Rhodes next year, and, like you, I plan to major in neuroscience. What is your favorite part of Rhodes’s neuroscience program, and what is your favorite part about the school in general? Any advice you could pass on would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Hey Helen,
I am so excited that you are interested in the Neuroscience program at Rhodes! When I applied to Rhodes this program didn’t exist, but as of early 2006 it has been going strong.
I would say that my favorite part of this program is the faculty. Everyone directly involved with the Neuroscience major is very enthusiastic about all things neuro and they want to see you get where you want to go. Professors provide experiences that you cannot necessarily get elsewhere.
There are also plenty of opportunities for research in areas ranging from behavioral neuroscience and psychophysiology to more hard science neuro both at Rhodes and in research programs with UT and possibly St. Jude.
I think what scares most people away from neuro is that it can be difficult. And as someone looking back on my last four years, I’m not going to deny that, but it is a completely do-able and very interesting and engaging major if you are willing to put in the work.
Favorite part of Rhodes? Wow… that’s tough. I’d have to say the best things about Rhodes is the sense of community that surrounds this place. Faculty, staff and students come together to support each other which is nice as you “live on your own” for the first time.
If you have any other questions, feel free to send them my way! Also, if you’re going to be on campus at any point for a campus visit, I’d be more than happy to grab coffee with you or something!
Sincerely,
Sarah