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Carl Petersen

Brain and behavior are inextricably linked in neuroscience. The function of the brain is to govern behavior, and the aim of this course is to causally link biophysical mechanisms with simple behaviors studied in mice. The brain processes information through the concerted activity of many neurons, which communicate with each other through synapses organised in highly dynamic networks. The first goal of the course is to gain a detailed understanding of the structure and function of the fundamental building blocks of the mammalian brain, its synapses and neurons. The second goal is to understand neuronal networks, with specific emphasis on the interactions of excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic neurons. The third goal is to place neuronal network function in the context of sensory processing ultimately leading to behavioral decisions and motor output.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Fundamental aspects of neuroscience related to mammalian brain function
  • Biophysical mechanisms of electrical signalling in neurons
  • Synaptic mechanisms underlying neuronal computations
  • Modern methods for studying mammalian brain function in vivo
  • Neuronal network function underlying sensory perception, sensorimotor integration and learning

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Provides a solid foundation in neuroscience for individuals interested in mammalian brain function
Taught by Carl Petersen, an experienced instructor in the field
Covers essential concepts in neuroscience, including biophysical mechanisms, synaptic mechanisms, and neuronal network function
Emphasizes the link between brain function and behavior, providing a comprehensive understanding of neurobiological processes underlying behavior
Suitable for students with a background in biology or neuroscience who seek to deepen their understanding of the mammalian brain

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Reviews summary

Brain science lectures

Learners say this course provides fascinating insight into the world of neuroscience. Discussions on experimental techniques are especially interesting. Students also appreciated the emphasis on physics and biochemistry that contribute cognition, learning, and behavior.
Basic understanding of brain structure and function is provided.
"We have understood structure of brain ,now we are going to understand , protection of the brain ...brain is covered with a crinium bones ... crinium bones contain the 8 bones , ..brain contain the cell neuron , we know well about neuron we can say neuron baisc unite of nervous system and nervous system is basic unite of the brain , structure of neuron , axon is rod like part of neuron , cell body is center or nucleus of brain which control the neuron activity ,"
Engaging discussions on brain functions.
"I found discussions of the in vivo experimental techiniques to be especially interesting"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function with these activities:
Explore online resources
This activity will help you familiarize yourself with the basic concepts of neuroscience and prepare for the course.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on neuroscience.
  • Choose a tutorial that covers the basics of neuroscience.
  • Watch the tutorial and take notes.
  • Complete any practice exercises or quizzes that come with the tutorial.
Review neuroscience principles
This activity serves to build a strong foundation in neuroscience principles, which are essential for understanding the content of the course.
Show steps
  • Gather the book and a notebook.
  • Read the first three chapters of the book, taking notes as you go.
  • Summarize the main points of each chapter in your own words.
  • Create a mind map of the key concepts you have learned.
Join a study group
This activity will allow you to collaborate with other students, discuss the course material, and learn from each other.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with other students in the course.
  • Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
  • Work together on practice problems.
  • Quiz each other on the material.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Compile study materials
This activity will help you organize your notes and prepare for exams.
Show steps
  • Review your lecture notes, textbook readings, and any other course materials.
  • Identify the most important concepts.
  • Summarize the key points in your own words.
  • Create flashcards or a study guide.
Practice solving neuroscience problems
This activity will help you develop your problem-solving skills and reinforce your understanding of the concepts.
Show steps
  • Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
  • Solve the problems on your own.
  • Check your answers against the solutions provided.
  • Identify the areas where you need more practice.
Mentor a younger student in neuroscience
This activity will allow you to share your knowledge with others and help them develop their understanding of neuroscience.
Show steps
  • Volunteer to be a mentor for a younger student in neuroscience.
  • Meet with your mentee regularly to discuss the course material.
  • Help your mentee with their studies.
  • Provide your mentee with encouragement and support.
Create a presentation on a neuroscience topic
This activity will allow you to synthesize your knowledge of the course material and communicate it effectively.
Show steps
  • Choose a neuroscience topic that you are interested in.
  • Research your topic thoroughly.
  • Create a presentation that is clear, concise, and engaging.
  • Deliver your presentation to your classmates.
Contribute to an open-source neuroscience project
This activity will allow you to apply your knowledge of neuroscience in a practical setting and contribute to the neuroscience community.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source neuroscience project that you are interested in.
  • Read the documentation for the project.
  • Identify an area where you can contribute.
  • Make a pull request to the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychologists are psychologists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive and behavioral problems caused by brain injury or disease. This course, Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function, may help you succeed in this field by providing you with a deep foundation in how the brain functions at a cellular level. This will prove foundational to your research on the cognitive and behavioral problems caused by brain injury or disease.
Cognitive Scientist
Cognitive scientists study the human mind and how it works. This includes topics such as memory, attention, language, and problem solving. This course, Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function, may help you succeed in this field by providing you with a deep foundation in how the brain functions at a cellular level. This will prove foundational to your research on the cognitive functions of the brain.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineers design and develop medical devices and equipment. This course, Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function, may help you succeed in this field by giving you advanced, specialized knowledge in how the brain processes information, as well as how neurons and neuronal networks function. This is the underlying foundation for the research you will perform in this field.
Pharmaceutical Researcher
Pharmaceutical Researchers design and develop new drugs and treatments for diseases. This course, Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function, may help you succeed in this field by giving you advanced, specialized knowledge in how the brain processes information, as well as how neurons and neuronal networks function. This is the underlying foundation for the research you will perform in this field.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental illness. This course, Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function, may help you succeed in this field by giving you advanced, specialized knowledge in how the brain functions at a cellular level. This can help you better understand the various mental illnesses and how to develop treatments for them.
Neurologist
Neurologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system. This includes diseases of the brain, spine, and nerves. This course, Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function, may help you succeed in this field by giving you advanced, specialized knowledge in how neurons and neuronal networks function. This can help you better understand the various neurological disorders and how to treat them.
Neuroscientist
Neuroscientists perform research on the brain and nervous system. The field covers the brain's structure, function, development, and evolution. This course, Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function, may help you succeed in this field by giving you advanced, specialized knowledge on how neurons and neuronal networks function. This can help you in designing and performing research.
Artificial Intelligence Researcher
Artificial Intelligence Researchers design and develop artificial intelligence systems. This course, Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function, may help you succeed in this field by giving you advanced, specialized knowledge in how the brain processes information, as well as how neurons and neuronal networks function. This is the underlying foundation for the research you will perform in this field.
Computational Neuroscience
Computational Neuroscience is the field of study about how the brain works. This course, Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function, may help you succeed in this field by giving you advanced, specialized knowledge in how the brain processes information, as well as how neurons and neuronal networks function. This is the underlying foundation for all brain function.
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. This course, Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function, may help you succeed in this field by giving you advanced, specialized knowledge in how the brain processes information, as well as how neurons and neuronal networks function. This will help you build better models and make more accurate predictions.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design and develop electrical systems and equipment. This course, Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function, may help you succeed in this field by giving you advanced, specialized knowledge in how the brain processes information, as well as how neurons and neuronal networks function. This is the underlying foundation for the research you will perform in this field.
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineers design and develop robots. This course, Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function, may help you succeed in this field by giving you advanced, specialized knowledge in how the brain processes information, as well as how neurons and neuronal networks function. This is the underlying foundation for the research you will perform in this field.
Computer Engineer
Computer Engineers design and develop computer systems and software. This course, Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function, may help you succeed in this field by giving you advanced, specialized knowledge in how the brain processes information, as well as how neurons and neuronal networks function. This is the underlying foundation for the research you will perform in this field.
Psychopharmacologist
Psychopharmacologists research the effects of drugs on the brain and behavior. This course, Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function, may help you succeed in this field by giving you advanced, specialized knowledge on how the brain processes information, as well as how neurons and neuronal networks function. This is the underlying foundation for the research you will perform in this field.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists analyze data to extract insights and trends. This course, Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function, may help you succeed in this field by giving you advanced, specialized knowledge in how the brain processes information, as well as how neurons and neuronal networks function. This will help you build better models and make more accurate predictions.

Reading list

We've selected 19 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function.
This go-to textbook for neuroscience. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the field, making it a solid choice as both background reading and for additional reading.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of machine learning, which is used to develop algorithms that can learn from data. Students who are interested in a deeper understanding of the computational basis of brain function should consider reading this book.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of cognitive neuroscience, which studies the neural basis of cognition. Students who are interested in a deeper understanding of the relationship between brain function and behavior should consider reading this book.
Offers a comprehensive overview of synapses, their structure, and their role in neuronal communication.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuronal function. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the basic principles of neuroscience.
This textbook offers a comprehensive exploration of neuronal dynamics and mathematical models that describe brain activity.
This widely-used textbook covers much of the same content as the course, although it goes into greater depth on many topics. Students who are interested in a more thorough understanding of the field should consider reading this book.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of computational neuroscience, which uses computational models to study brain function. Students who are interested in a deeper understanding of the computational basis of brain function should consider reading this book.
Offers an in-depth examination of sensorimotor integration and learning, focusing on the interplay between sensory processing and motor control.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the synaptic organization of the brain. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the neural basis of brain function.
Delves into the field of sensory perception, providing a comprehensive overview of the processes involved in sensory processing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the patch clamp electrophysiology technique, which is used to study the electrical activity of neurons. Students who are interested in learning more about this technique should consider reading this book.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the computational principles of neuronal networks. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the mathematical and computational aspects of neuroscience.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the behavioral neuroscience. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the neural basis of behavior.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the cognitive neuroscience of memory. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the neural basis of memory.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the human brain function. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the neural basis of human behavior.
Provides a solid foundation in statistical thermodynamics, which is essential for understanding the biophysical mechanisms of electrical signaling in neurons.

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