Optogenetics is a transformative research method combining optical technologies with recombinant DNA technologies to realize the precise control of cellular behaviors. Optogenetics has shown wide application in neuroscience and other related research fields. A lot of important research progresses have been made in neuroscience in recent years due to the usage of this technology. However

course teaching of the principle and application of the optogenetics experimental technology for undergraduates in domestic medical colleges has not kept up with the rapid development of neuroscience. In view of the importance of optogenetics experimental technology in many research fields

we have made a preliminary discussion here on the teaching of principles and applications of optogenetics experimental technology for medical undergraduates.Optogenetics is a transformative research method combining optical technologies with recombinant DNA technologies to realize the precise control of cellular behaviors. Optogenetics has shown wide application in neuroscience and other related research fields. However

course teaching of the principle and application of the optogenetics experimental technology for undergraduates in domestic medical colleges has not kept up with the rapid development of neuroscience. Here we have made a preliminary analysis on the necessity

main contents and difficult points in teaching medical undergraduates the principles and applications of optogenetics experimental technology. We focused on the theory and practice teaching about this technique and emphasized on the most important technological principles

including how to achieve selective intervention of specific neural pathways

how to realize the two-way control

i.e

. excitation or inhibition

of neurons

and the main process of the experiment. Finally

we have summarized our recent experience in the teaching process

to provide reference for basic medical experiments teaching in related medical colleges

and to promote optogenetics experimental teaching in domestic medical colleges.