1. Advisor: Dr. Michael McDonald Matthew Nichols Anand Krishnan
Automated Mouse Maze
Advisor: Dr. Michael McDonald
Matthew Nichols
Anand Krishnan

2. Original T Maze Concept
Protocol developed by a student of Tom Walsh in 1987
Used male rats

3. Using to Mice Mice do not like to be touched
Learn that if they just sit there, they will not be handled as often
This is BAD

4. Automating Maze Use computers to run test
Mouse will only need to be handled to start and stop the trials
Frees up the researcher during long tests

5. Maze Construction and Design
Use standard personal computer to control maze
Maze will use commercially available parts
Only truly custom part is the software

6. Maze Design

7. Four Operating Modes Habituation period Original T maze test
Modified T maze test
Differential Outcome

8. Habituation Period All doors are open
Mouse is set in the maze and allowed to run free
Mouse learns to feel comfortable

9. Original T Maze Test Starts Stem with left arm closed
Gets food from the right arm
Mouse is returned to the stem
All doors are open and the mouse must go to left arm

10. Modified T Maze Test
Right Arm, Stem, Left Arm, Stem, Right Arm, Stem, …
If mouse chooses wrong path no need to reset.
No need to wait for mouse to return to start

11. Differential Outcome Mouse starts in the stem
Different Stimuli is in left or right arm
Mouse must choose

12. Final Product 1 computer controls multiple mazes
Any new modality would only require a software upgrade
Data is storable in .CSV file