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Electrophysiology is a fundamental part of neuroscience and there are many published laboratory exercises suitable for undergraduates. However, the cost of equipping a lab is often a barrier to implementing these exercises. In this paper, we outline lab needs, suggest strategies for building a lab incrementally by adding equipment as budgets permit, and suggest specific areas for cost-cutting. We also point out instances in which it makes most sense to purchase or borrow research-grade equipment. A linked Google document lists specific items, prices, and purchase links.
Google doc links. A. Editable ( https://docs.google.com/document/d/1V6aLdTgNI50EHUrcHDQXZPcQKaKE9Mr3Tgf-gzaRSro ). B. Stable ( https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N0ADzuMRdyKLvUZ73qymol6uZIlL2Y0Axa48pbgErYg )
Figure 1
Google doc links. A. Editable (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1V6aLdTgNI50EHUrcHDQXZPcQKaKE9Mr3Tgf-gzaRSro). B. Stable (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N0ADzuMRdyKLvUZ73qymol6uZIlL2Y0Axa48pbgErYg)
Baden T, Chagas AM, Gage G, Marzullo T, Prieto-Godino LL, Euler T. Open labware: 3-D printing your own lab equipment. PLoS Biol. 2015;13:e1002086.
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Crisp KM. Recording EMG signals on a computer sound card. J Undergrad Neurosci Educ. 2018;16:A210–A216.
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Crisp KM, Lin H, Prosper I. Breadboard amplifier: Building and using simple electrophysiology equipment. J Undergrad Neurosci Educ. 2016;14:A124–A131.
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George S. Data acquisition and display for electrophysiology: PC oscilloscopes. J Undergrad Neurosci Educ. 2006;5:R11–R14.
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Heitler WJ. DataView: a tutorial tool for data analysis, template-based spike sorting and frequency analysis. J Undergrad Neurosci Educ. 2007;6:A1–A7.
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SELECTED LABORATORY EXERCISES
Colgan W., 3rd Student friendly technique to demonstrate coordination between postural (involuntary) and voluntary muscle contractions. J Undergrad Neurosci Educ. 2015;13:A244–A246.
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Dagda RK, Thalhauser RM, Dagda R, Marzullo TC, Gage GJ. Using crickets to introduce neurophysiology to early undergraduate students. J Undergrad Neurosci Educ. 2013;12:A66–A74.
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Johnson BR, Wyttenbach RA, Wayne R, Hoy RR. Action potentials in a giant algal cell: a comparative approach to mechanisms and evolution of excitability. J Undergrad Neurosci Educ. 2002;1:A23–A27.
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Kladt N, Hanslik U, Heinzel HG. Teaching basic neuro-physiology using intact earthworms. J Undergrad Neurosci Educ. 2010;9:A20–A35.
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Krans JL, Rivlin PK, Hoy RR. Demonstrating the temperature sensitivity of synaptic transmission in a Drosophila mutant. J Undergrad Neurosci Educ. 2005;4:A27–A33.
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