Extending learning through hands-on research, innovative experiments, and practical implementation strategies
Imagine yourself as a curious undergraduate student, fascinated by the brain's mysteries but finding yourself confined to a lecture hall. You memorize the parts of a neuron, the neurotransmitters, and the brain regions, but something crucial is missing—the chance to touch, see, and experiment with the very concepts that drew you to neuroscience.
Neuroscience is a rapidly exploding field; since 1995, dedicated educators have worked to create structured curricula, yet the number of undergraduate neuroscience majors has grown from just seven programs in 1986 to over 221 by the 2017-2018 academic year 1 .
The COVID-19 pandemic, while disruptive, showcased the tenacity and creativity of neuroscience educators who rapidly adapted, proving that innovative learning models can thrive even under adversity 1 .
At its core, neurobiology is the study of the nervous system's biology, seeking to understand how the brain's intricate networks of neurons give rise to thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and consciousness.
A fundamental concept that extracurricular activities particularly bring to life is neuroplasticity—the brain's remarkable ability to change and adapt throughout life in response to experience.
Just as the brain changes with learning, the way we learn about the brain itself benefits from varied, hands-on experiences that actively engage different neural pathways 1 .
While well-structured, traditional neuroscience education often emphasizes content knowledge delivered through lectures and textbooks. However, surveys of undergraduate neuroscience faculty have identified a set of core competencies that extend far beyond factual recall 1 :
The first Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience (FUN) workshop was held at Davidson College 1 . This gathering marked an important innovation by including hands-on laboratory exercises as part of the curriculum development conversation.
The establishment of the Journal of Undergraduate Neuroscience Education created a formal venue for sharing educational innovations, further legitimizing the importance of teaching methodology in this rapidly growing field.
FUN workshops every three years producing recommendations that emphasize active learning and inclusive pedagogy 1 .
| Program Type | Key Features | Institutional Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Full Major Programs | Comprehensive curriculum covering multiple levels of analysis; extensive research opportunities | Large research universities and some liberal arts colleges |
| Minor/Concentration | Focused exposure to neuroscience; often complements psychology or biology majors | Institutions without full major programs |
| Interdisciplinary Programs | Integrates courses from multiple departments; emphasizes connections between fields | Various undergraduate institutions |
To understand how extracurricular research experiences work, let's examine a simplified version of a real experiment that undergraduate researchers could conduct with proper mentorship. This study investigates the relationship between physical activity and neurogenesis (the birth of new neurons) in the hippocampus—a brain region critical for learning and memory.
Previous research has suggested that enriched environments and voluntary exercise can stimulate the production of new neurons in adult animals.
The experiment was conducted with three groups of laboratory mice over a six-week period:
Mice with access to a running wheel in their cage
Mice housed with toys, tunnels, and social stimulation
Mice housed in standard laboratory conditions
The data revealed striking differences between the groups in hippocampal neurogenesis:
| Experimental Condition | Average New Neurons per mm³ | Percentage Increase vs. Control | Statistical Significance (p-value) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control (Standard Housing) | 1,450 | Baseline | N/A |
| Enriched Environment | 2,310 | 59% | p < 0.05 |
| Exercise (Running Wheel) | 3,890 | 168% | p < 0.01 |
| Hippocampal Subregion | Control | Exercise | Enriched |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentate Gyrus - Dorsal | 620 | 1,890 | 1,120 |
| Dentate Gyrus - Ventral | 830 | 2,000 | 1,190 |
| Total | 1,450 | 3,890 | 2,310 |
| Group | Memory Score | New Neurons | Correlation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control | 62 | 1,450 | r = 0.89 |
| Enriched | 74 | 2,310 | r = 0.85 |
| Exercise | 81 | 3,890 | r = 0.92 |
The brain remains malleable throughout life, changing in response to environmental demands and behaviors.
Changes at the cellular level (neurogenesis) correlate with changes at the behavioral level (learning and memory performance).
If simple interventions like exercise can promote neurogenesis, this suggests non-pharmacological approaches to maintaining brain health.
Conducting meaningful neuroscience research requires specific tools and reagents. Here are some essential items from our featured experiment and beyond:
| Reagent/Technique | Function/Application | Real-World Example |
|---|---|---|
| BrdU (Bromodeoxyuridine) | Labels newly divided cells to track neurogenesis | Identifying new neurons born after learning experience |
| Immunohistochemistry | Uses antibodies to visualize specific proteins in tissue | Labeling neuronal markers like NeuN to identify mature neurons |
| Confocal Microscopy | Creates high-resolution 3D images of fluorescent samples | Visualizing the intricate structures of neurons and their connections |
| ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) | Measures protein concentrations in solution | Quantifying neurotrophic factors like BDNF in blood or tissue samples |
| PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) | Amplifies specific DNA sequences for analysis | Examining gene expression changes in neurons after drug exposure |
| Electrophysiology | Measures electrical activity in neurons | Recording action potentials to study neural communication |
Implementing successful extracurricular activities in neurobiology requires thoughtful planning. Different types of activities develop different skill sets and knowledge bases:
| Activity Type | Key Components | Skills Developed | Student Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty-Mentored Research | Hypothesis development, experimental design, data analysis, presentation | Critical thinking, technical skills, resilience, scientific communication | All levels, with appropriate scaffolding |
| Neuroscience Clubs | Journal clubs, guest speakers, brain awareness activities, peer mentoring | Collaboration, science communication, leadership, organization | Beginner-friendly |
| Summer Research Programs | Intensive, full-time research immersion, often at another institution | Independence, technical proficiency, scientific networking, time management | Intermediate/Advanced |
| Science Policy & Communication | Writing blogs, creating exhibits, engaging with policymakers | Translating complex concepts, public engagement, policy analysis | All levels |
| Interdisciplinary Projects | Combining neuroscience with art, computer science, or philosophy | Integrative thinking, creativity, connecting across domains | Intermediate/Advanced |
The success of these activities hinges on effective mentorship. As noted in guides for aspiring neuroscientists, establishing strong relationships with teachers, professors, or professionals with experience in neuroscience can provide valuable insights, advice, and research opportunities 2 .
Good mentors don't just supervise technical work—they model scientific thinking, encourage curiosity, and help students navigate challenges.
The journey to becoming a neuroscientist—or simply a scientifically literate citizen—no longer needs to travel solely through the lecture hall. By extending neurobiology teaching through diverse extracurricular activities, we create richer, more inclusive, and more effective learning environments.
"The future of undergraduate neuroscience education is bright as faculty and their students collaborate on their journey of discovery" 1 .
This collaborative journey, extending beyond traditional classroom boundaries, prepares students not just to know neuroscience, but to do neuroscience—whether they pursue research careers, clinical practice, or any field that benefits from critical thinking and scientific literacy.
The next time you think about learning, remember that your brain thrives on challenge, novelty, and active engagement. The revolution in neuroscience education has recognized this fundamental truth, creating learning experiences as dynamic and adaptable as the brain itself.