WISE 187 Introduction to Research

During this course, students are divided into small groups of 6-10 members and participate in 4 different "hands-on" research experiences during the course of the semester. The research experiences are in diverse areas including engineering, mathematics, life sciences, physics and social sciences. The projects are designed and implemented by faculty and/or graduate students. It has been our experience that advanced graduate students often make outstanding project leaders, and we would welcome their participation. We are asking if you or a graduate student of yours can volunteer to be a project leader for one of these modules for the Spring of 2002. The projects can be a piece of the on-going research in your lab, or an activity that demonstrates the essence of your field. Most research projects are offered from 3:50-5:10, Tuesday and Thursday, for three weeks. *However, we are open to having projects on Monday/ Friday 12:30-2:10pm if you absolutely can not do it during the other time slot.*

There are about 9 hours of class time for each project. We are able to provide some reimbursement for materials used, and in addition, can pay a graduate student a small stipend. Please seriously consider participating in this course, but if you cannot, let us know if there is someone else in your Department who you think might like to do so.

The session dates are:

Session 1: Tuesday, January 29 - Thursday, February 14

Session 2: Tuesday, February 19 - Thursday, March 7

Session 3: Tuesday, March 12 - Thursday, April 4 (includes week of Spring break, 3/25-3/29)

Session 4: Tuesday, April 9- Thursday, April 25

Sample project description:

For decades, scientists have been describing the physical benefits of long term exercise, such as improvements in heart and muscle function. Many now believe that consistent participation in aerobic exercise can have mental benefits as well. Our research laboratory focuses on the effects of aerobic exercise on the structure and function of many different brain regions. We have found, perhaps not too surprisingly, that exercise influences areas of the brain which control body movement. Surprisingly, however, we and others have also found that exercise is beneficial to brain regions which control non-motor activities. Exercise causes structural and chemical changes in these areas, and also enhances functions such as learning and memory storage. Exercise also seems to play a protective role against harmful agents, like stress. Stress damages some areas of the brain, while exercise has been shown to protect those same areas.

The goal of this module is to investigate some of the ways exercise can influence brain structure and function. Experimental methods and statistical tools used will be emphasized, in order to give students an idea of how scientists go about answering the question, "Can exercise improve your brain?"