Investigation of olfactory learning and memory in Drosophila melanogaster.

• Main Author: Lau, Edison Yan Lun.
• Other Authors: School of Biological Sciences
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: DRNTU::Science::Biological sciences::Genetics
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/50653
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Pavlovian and Action-Contingent conditioning are two basic learning models that underlie human experience. Yet despite advances in understanding memory and learning, the underlying differences between the two models remain poorly understood. A new behavioral system has been developed that allows for direct comparison of the two behavior using D.melanogaster wild type and learning mutant flies. Operating a high throughput machine with while coping with its variability calls for a multi disciplinary approach involving engineering as well as behavioral science. The result was an understanding that Pavlovian conditioning has an advantage over Action-Contingent conditioning. Nevertheless shortcomings in engineering and statistical methods prevent full analysis into the generated data set and deeper insights remains speculative in nature.