The Behavioral Assessment Core supports researchers in studying mouse and rat behavior. Whether you're working with genetically modified models, evaluating novel treatments, or exploring neurobehavioral functions, we offer a comprehensive range of validated behavioral tests to help you obtain high-quality, reproducible data.

All behavioral tests are tracked and analyzed using EthoVision, a powerful software that delivers precise, automated behavioral analysis. For advanced gait and locomotion studies, we also offer the CatWalk system, enabling detailed evaluation of walking patterns, coordination, and motor impairments.

Our available tests include:

• Motor and Coordination Testing: Rotorod, spontaneous locomotor activity, walking coordination, grip strength, balance, and CatWalk gait analysis.
• Emotional and Anxiety-Related Behavior: Open field test (exploratory and emotional behavior) and elevated plus maze (anxiety assessment).
• Cognitive and Learning Tasks: Morris water maze, Barnes maze, holeboard maze, and eight-arm radial maze.
• Custom Behavioral Assessments: If you need something more specific, we can work with you to design a behavioral task tailored to your research.

Inssaf Berkiks, Ph.D., managing director of the Behavioral Assessment Core, provides training for researchers interested in learning how to conduct behavioral tests. She is also available to assist with the development of customized testing methods for projects that require approaches beyond standard protocols.

For questions or to discuss how the Core can support your research, please feel free to get in touch.

FBS system information

We use the FBS system. You can access the system here.
To gain access, please contact Tawanna Brown.

Facility Locations:

Zeigler Research Building
8th Floor, Birmingham, AL 35294

Research Support Building
4th Floor, 1800 9th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294

Training resources

The Behavioral Assessment Core provides comprehensive training and support for researchers conducting behavioral experiments in rodents. Training sessions are designed to ensure proper handling, setup, data collection, and analysis using state-of-the-art behavioral equipment and tracking software.

Hands-on Training for Behavioral Tests

We offer hands-on training sessions for investigators and their research staff on the following behavioral tests:

Anxiety and exploration

• Open Field Test
• Elevated Plus Maze
• O Maze
• Light-Dark Box

Depression and motivation

• Forced Swim Test
• Tail Suspension Test
• Sucrose Preference Test

Cognition and memory

• Morris Water Maze
• Barnes Maze
• Y-Maze and T-Maze
• Novel Object Recognition

Social and communication

• Three-Chamber Social Interaction
• Reciprocal Social Interaction

Motor function and gait analysis

• Rotarod Test
• Grip Strength Test
• CatWalk Gait Analysis System (for detailed gait assessments)

Fear and avoidance learning

• Fear Conditioning
• Passive & Active Avoidance

Each training session includes:

• Equipment setup and connection to software
• Proper animal handling and habituation
• Test execution and real-time monitoring
• Data collection and troubleshooting

Software Training: EthoVision and CatWalk XT

All behavioral tests are connected to EthoVision XT, an advanced video tracking system that enables:

• Automated tracking of animal movement
• Time spent in specific zones (e.g., light vs. dark, maze quadrants)
• Path analysis for spatial learning tests

For gait analysis, CatWalk XT provides:

• Automated detection of paw placement, stride length, and coordination
• Analysis of motor impairments and recovery

Researchers receive training on how to:

• Operate the software for experiment setup
• Extract and interpret data
• Export results for statistical analysis

Customized training and protocol development

• We offer customized training based on specific research needs.
• Investigators can work with Dr. Berkiks, to modify existing tests or develop novel behavioral paradigms tailored to their studies.
• Assistance is provided for optimizing experimental design, including sample size estimation and statistical approaches.

Access and scheduling

• Training sessions are available upon request.
• Researchers must complete initial training before conducting independent experiments.
• To schedule a training session, please contact Dr. Berkiks.

Protocols

Please refer to the protocol documents for full details; this is only an overview.

Download overview