The objective of this assignment is to explore ethical issues in neurosciences and to apply what you have learned in the class toward developing your own "mental fitness" plan.

INSTRUCTIONS

• YOUR ASSIGNMENT SHOULD BE SUBMITED TYPED USING 1.5 LINE SPACING .
• NUMBER ALL PAGES.
• INCLUDE THE LAST 4 DIGITS OF YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER IN THE UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER OF EVERY PAGE

A. ETHICAL ISSUES IN NEUROSCIENCES
• Read the following chapters in Scientific Integrity by Macrina, on reserve in Zuhl and in Foster 234:
• Ch 5 Use of Humans in Experimentation
• Ch 6 Use of animals in Biomedical Experimentation
• Read the informaiton posted on this link:
• Policies on the Use of Animals and Humans in Neuroscience Research
• (10 points) Submit answers to case studies 5.5 and 5.6.  I urge you to discuss the case studies with other students before submitting your answer. Case study answers should be 2 to 4 paragraphs in length.
• (20 points) Prepare an essay that summarizes your position on the use of animals in research.   Essays should be 2-4 pages in length and should include the following:
• Your opinion about the present guidelines
• Pros and cons of using animals in research
• What are the strengths and limitaions of animal models for studies of the nervous system?
• What are the strengths and limitations of non-animal models (plants, bacteria, yeast) for studies of the nervous system?
• Your personal position on use of animals in neuroscience research
B.  MENTAL FITNESS PLAN
 
• (20 points) Prepare an essay that summarizes your personal mental fitness plan.   Essays should be 2-4 pages in length and should include the following:
• What you consider mental fitness based on what you have learned or read about brain function and neural processing
• The activities that would promote the mental fitness that you wish to have well into old age