Behavioural neuroscience is typically studied using laboratory animals trained in unusual cognitive tasks designed to tap into distinct aspects of information processing in the brain. We do studies of spatial memory (e.g. using the watermaze), of episodic memory (using our new ‘event arena’), and use other tasks to examine recognition memory, navigation and path-integration.  This work is complemented by interventional techniques including multiple single-unit recording, intracerebral drug infusions and the use of transgenic animals.

The laboratories within the Behavioural Neuroscience theme have outstanding facilities for doing their research, with other labs nearby for brain-slice physiology, microscopy and molecular biology.