Abstract

The ability to model complex cognitive behaviours in rodents is critical for the identification of the neurobiological processes involved in their expression. It also provides insight into aetiological mechanisms of, and therapeutic strategies for neuropsychiatric disorders affecting cognitive function. In this masterclass, the speakers will provide an overview of two novel tasks used in cognitive behaviour; the honeycomb maze for spatial navigation and the five choice serial reaction time task for impulsivity. Both of these have provided insight into neural mechanisms of decision making, cognitive control, learning and memory in rodents. In addition, the speakers will highlight the integration of these tasks with approaches such as electrophysiology, opto/chemogenetics, and high field strength magnetic resonance imaging to dissect the structural, functional, molecular and cellular basis of cognitive behaviour.