Q301 Fall 1999

Application Paper #2 - Individual

Project: Synaptic Plasticity

Section: Memory and Learning

Resources:

Page 34 and 35 in your course packet

Pages 283-288 in the book

One of the nice properties of human memory is that aspects of the learning mechanism can be tied directly to mechanisms that occur at the cellular level. Two of these are classical conditioning and hebbian learning. In this assignment you will contrast these two forms of memory. This requires that you describe how they function at the cellular level, and then describe the kind of learning mechanisms that they subserve.

First, address the Classical conditioning mechanism, which we will talk about in class and can be found on page 34 of your packet.

Describe the role of the sensory, modulatory and motor neurons using words and pictures. What has to happen (simultaneously) between the modulatory neuron and the sensory neuron in order for more neurotransmitters to be released in the future? What mechanisms occur at the level of the neuron to enable this?

Next, describe how hebbian learning strengthens the link between pre- and post-synaptic neurons. What has to happen in order to start the process, and what changes occur in the synapse to strengthen the bond? Use words and/or pictures to illustrate these processes.

Finally, describe what types of learning each mechanism is used for in humans and other animals. What role does each mechanism play in the various types of memories found in the table on page 257 in your book?

This assignment should take no more that 1-2 pages, and should be done individually.

This assignment is due in class on September 28^th.