Offered in Fall Semester, this introductory course (unlimited enrollment) has two primary goals: (1) to provide a basic introduction to the study of sleep and an overview of sleep including measurement, regulation, ontogeny, phylogeny, physiology, psychology, and sleep disorders; (2) to provide a basic introduction to methods of studying behavior using modes of analysis common to experimental psychology. Classes are largely lecture style, with give and take principally in the context evaluating required problem sets and study guides.

To facilitate the learning process, research articles are dissected throughout the semester, identifying such important components as hypothesis or specific aim, dependent and independent variables, data collection methods and measures, and statistical methods, as well as a critical assessment of conclusions. These exercises are complemented by a laboratory tour to introduce critical measurement tools and by problem sets that can involve gathering and evaluating data on yourself or your classmates. Students cap off the class by creating a "virtual poster" or a public service announcement on a sleep disorder.



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This course and the companion research apprenticeship provide students a fully textured research and academic experience in human sleep and chronobiology research. The course addresses the direct technical instruction for research procedures that enable students to participate in the apprenticeship projects. In support of the technical skills learning, students learn background in the physiological, theoretical, and conceptual bases of the methodologies and the research program. This information provides a framework for understanding the methods and the research projects' design and rationale. In-depth appreciation of a research topic is acquired through preparing a research presentation. Career modeling opportunities are offered through a seminar series with young scientists in the areas of sleep and circadian rhythms research. Students have further career modeling and learning opportunities attending the annual meeting of the Association of Professional Sleep Societies, which has a rich program for trainees. In summary, students who take part in this course and the research apprenticeship are given a thorough introduction to behavioral science research while at the same time learning about sleep and circadian rhythms physiology, acquiring lab skills, participating in ongoing research, and having the opportunity to consider a career in behavioral research through spending a summer participating in research at the sleep and chronobiology lab.

Students wishing to enroll in CLPS1194 must apply to the summer apprenticeship program; the application deadline is usually mid- or late February.

For more information and an application, click on the summer apprenticeship tab above.

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