1) Several fundamental tools are reviewed. An introduction to electricity and electronics is presented; no prior knowledge of electronics is assumed. Students then learn to use Macintosh computers and MacLab interfaces for electrophysiological recording of responses evoked by sensory stimuli. The specific response demonstrated is the electroretinogram (ERG). A review will also be given of certain relevant aspects of experimental design and data analysis.

2) Then students execute a standard experiment demonstrating how the ERG is affected by basic sensory variables such as stimulus intensity and adaptation state. Computer graphics displaying the results of this experiment are generated by each student and presented in a symposium format to the rest of the class.

3) Students next execute a personally-chosen pilot study which makes use of these techniques. Many students naturally choose to run ERG studies of the effects of sensory variables. Others use these techniques to study other bioelectric responses, for example, the electrocardiogram (EKG). Still others may study the effect of various pharmacologic agents on such electrophysiological measures. A second symposium is held to review the results of these pilot studies.

4) Finally, students use this feedback to execute their research projects in an improved fashion and a third symposium is devoted to these final results.