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Synapses, Neurons and Brains

These are very unique times for brain research. The aperitif for the course will thus highlight the present “brain-excitements” worldwide. You will then become intimately acquainted with the operational principles of neuronal “life-ware” (synapses, neurons and the networks that they form) and consequently, on how neurons behave as computational microchips and how they plastically and constantly change - a process that underlies learning and memory. Recent heroic attempts to realistically simulate large cortical networks in the computer will be highlighted (e.g., “the Blue Brain Project”) and processes related to perception, cognition and emotions in the brain will be discussed. For dessert we will deliberate on the future of brain research, including the questions of “brain and art”, consciousness and free will. For more information see the course promo below and read “About the course.”

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Syllabus

Brain Excitements for the 21st Century

Welcome to synapses, neurons and brains!

The Materialistic Mind - Your Brain's Ingredients

This module's purpose is to acquaint you with "The materialistic mind – your brain’s ingredients". You will become intimately acquainted with the beauty and variety of neurons – the elementary building block/microchips of the brain. We will highlight a big controversy between two great anatomists (Ramon y Cajal and Camillo Golgi) who both received the Nobel Prize in 1906. They asked whether the neuron is a separate “independent” unit (like other cells in other tissues) or whether it is part of a continuum? We will next discuss the neuron as an input-output device and highlight a key property of the nervous system, namely that neurons connect to each other via a wonderful devise called “synapse”.

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Develops a sophisticated foundation in neuroscience

Taught by Idan Segev, an active researcher in neuroscience

Takes a holistic approach by examining multiple aspects of the brain, from basic neurons to networks

Incorporates multi-modal learning materials, including readings, discussions, and hands-on exercises

Examines cutting-edge research, such as brain simulations and the Blue Brain Project

Highlights ethical considerations in brain research, preparing learners for potential implications

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Reviews summary

Fundamental & advanced neuroscience

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in neurobiology, progressing from the basic building blocks of neurons to complex network behaviors and even touching upon philosophical implications like consciousness and free will. Many students found the lectures engaging and clear, praising the instructor's ability to explain complex topics. While the initial modules on electrical signaling and cable theory were highlighted as potentially challenging, especially for those without a strong physics or math background, reviewers appreciated the depth and rigor. The course is seen as highly informative and provides a comprehensive overview of the field, making it suitable for both those seeking a foundation and those interested in the cutting edge of brain research.

Content is rich and up-to-date.

"Found the course material to be incredibly informative and relevant to current research."

"Learned so much; the content is dense but very worthwhile."

"Provides insights into cutting-edge topics like neural simulations and brain-inspired computing."

"Very valuable for anyone interested in how the brain actually works."

Covers wide range from basics to advanced.

"The course covers an impressive range of topics, from single neuron function to network simulations like the Blue Brain Project."

"I appreciated the breadth, touching upon everything from basic synapses to consciousness and free will."

"It provides a good overview of the field of neuroscience, covering many key areas."

"Broad scope makes it highly informative."

Instructor makes topics clear and interesting.

"The professor was excellent, explaining complex topics clearly and keeping it engaging."

"Lectures were very clear and easy to follow, even when the concepts were difficult."

"I really enjoyed the teaching style; it made the material fascinating."

"The lectures were very well-produced and presented."

Provides a robust base in neurobiology.

"This course provides a solid foundation in basic neurophysiology from synapses to networks."

"It gave me a fundamental understanding of how neurons work and connect."

"I now have a much better grasp of neuronal structure and function."

"It helped solidify my understanding of core principles."

Requires some prior science/math knowledge.

"The modules on electrical signals and cable theory were quite challenging, particularly the bio-physics involved."

"Needed to refresh basic electricity and physics concepts to keep up with the technical sections."

"Assumes some level of prerequisite knowledge I didn't fully possess in the more quantitative parts."

"Some parts were difficult if you didn't have a prior background in the subject."

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 Synapses, Neurons and Brains with these activities:

Join a Neuroscience Study Group

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Enhance your understanding of the course material by discussing and collaborating with peers in a study group.

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Find or create a study group with other students in the course
Meet regularly to discuss the course material
Work together on practice problems or projects

Practice Synapse and Neuron Functions

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Reinforce your understanding of the basic building blocks of the brain by practicing problems related to synapse and neuron functions.

Browse courses on Neurophysiology

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Review the concepts of synapses and neurons
Find practice problems or exercises related to synapse and neuron functions
Attempt to solve the problems without looking at the solutions
Check your answers and identify any areas where you need further practice

Review and Practice Cognitive Functions

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Solidify your understanding of cognitive functions by reviewing and practicing problems related to perception, action, cognition, and emotions.

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Review the different cognitive functions and their neural basis
Find practice problems or exercises related to cognitive functions
Attempt to solve the problems without looking at the solutions
Check your answers and identify any areas where you need further practice

Four other activities

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Volunteer at a Neuroscience Lab or Organization

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the field by volunteering at a neuroscience lab or organization.

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Identify neuroscience labs or organizations that offer volunteer opportunities
Contact the lab or organization and inquire about volunteer positions
Complete the necessary training and background checks
Participate in research projects or other activities as assigned

Explore Computational Neuroscience Tools

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Delve deeper into the field of computational neuroscience by following tutorials on relevant tools and techniques.

Browse courses on Computational Neuroscience

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Identify specific computational neuroscience tools or techniques that you want to learn
Find online tutorials or workshops that cover these tools or techniques
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises
Apply what you have learned to a small project or experiment

Develop a Neuroscience Research Proposal

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Enhance your research skills by developing a proposal for a neuroscience research project.

Browse courses on Scientific Writing

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Identify a research question that you are interested in
Conduct a literature review to gather background information on your topic
Develop a hypothesis and design a research plan
Write a research proposal that outlines your project

Participate in a Neuroscience Hackathon

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Challenge yourself and apply your knowledge in a real-world setting by participating in a neuroscience hackathon.

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Find a neuroscience hackathon that aligns with your interests and skills
Form a team or work individually on a project
Develop a solution to the hackathon challenge
Present your solution to a panel of judges

Career center

Learners who complete Synapses, Neurons and Brains will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Neuroscientist

Neuroscience involves exploring complex topics. A learner in this course will have a grasp on the connections between neurons and synapses and how they impact learning, memory, and other cognitive processes. They will also have an understanding of how these topics fit into the context of the overall human brain. This course may also help you build a foundational knowledge in neuroscience, which will be helpful if you are interested in getting a job as a neuroscientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neuroscientist

Computational Neuroscientist

Computational neuroscience combines neuroscience with computer science to model how the brain processes information. One of the modules in this course covers how brains can be simulated in a computer, as well as how you can use this technique to learn more about how the brain functions. This course will help you build a foundation in the field and may even help you secure a role as a computational neuroscientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computational Neuroscientist

Neurologist

Neurologists specialize in diagnosing and treating brain disorders. A learner in this course will have a grasp on the functions of neurons and synapses, and also how this knowledge can help them succeed in their career as a neurologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neurologist

Neuropharmacologist

Neuropharmacologists research and develop drugs that target the nervous system. This course will be very helpful if you are interesting in pursuing a career in this field, in part because it covers how the brain processes information, which can be very important to know when developing drugs that interact with the nervous system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neuropharmacologist

Neurosurgeon

Neurosurgeons perform surgical procedures on the brain and nervous system. This course will be helpful if you are interested in getting a job in this field. It outlines how the brain functions, which is the organ that a neurosurgeon works on in their day-to-day job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neurosurgeon

Neuropsychologist

Neuropsychologists study the relationship between the brain and behavior. A learner in this course will have a grasp on the functions of neurons, brains, and synapses, and also how this knowledge can help them succeed in their career as a neuropsychologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neuropsychologist

Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists assess and treat speech and language disorders. An understanding of how the nervous system, and specifically the brain, processes information is important in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist

Neurologist Nurse

Neurology nurses provide care to patients with neurological conditions. As such, an understanding of how the brain functions is helpful because neurological conditions impact the brain. This course will be helpful to you to the extent that it covers the functions of neurons and the brain.

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Neuroimaging Technologist

Neuroimaging technologists operate and maintain neuroimaging equipment. An understanding of the brain is beneficial in this role, as this course provides.

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Neuropsychiatrist

Neuropsychiatrists treat mental disorders that have a physical cause, typically in the brain. Completing this course will give you a good foundational knowledge of how the brain functions, including how it processes information. This will be helpful in your career as a neuropsychiatrist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neuropsychiatrist

Computer Scientist

This course includes a module on how the brain can be simulated in a computer. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a computer scientist, having a foundational knowledge of the brain's functions will make you a well-rounded professional. The material included in this course will also help you as a computer scientist understand the relationship between the brain and technology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Artificial Intelligence Researcher

AI research overlaps with many other fields, including neuroscience. In this course, you will learn about the functions of the brain and how the brain processes information, which will be useful if you are interested in pursuing a career as an AI researcher.

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Robotics Engineer

Robotics engineers design, build, and maintain robots. Completing this course will help you understand how the brain functions, and in turn, how the brain can control robotic devices to mimic human movement and cognition. This can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs as a robotics engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Science Writer

Science writers communicate complex scientific topics to a general audience. Completing this course will help you develop an understanding of complex brain processes, which you can then communicate in written form to a lay audience. This course may be helpful if you want to become a science writer who specializes in neuroscience topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Teacher

Teachers create lesson plans, teach students, and assess student learning. Completing this course will give you a deeper understanding of how the brain functions, including how students learn. This knowledge is helpful if you want to enter the teaching field.

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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 Synapses, Neurons and Brains .

Principles of Neural Science, Fifth Edition

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This comprehensive and authoritative textbook on neuroscience that covers all aspects of the field, from the molecular and cellular level to the cognitive and behavioral level. It is an excellent resource for students and researchers alike. is an exceptionally valuable reference tool, particularly in the areas of basic cellular and molecular neuroscience, the systems-level organization of the brain, and cognitive and behavioral neuroscience. However, it is less useful as a current reference for topics in computational neuroscience and neuropharmacology.

Principles of Neural Science, Fifth Edition...

Hardcover

$$$$

Principles of Neural Science, Fifth Edition...

Kindle Edition

$$$

An Introduction to Applied Statistical...

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Provides a clear and concise introduction to applied statistical thermodynamics, which is essential for understanding the behavior of complex systems such as neurons and brains. It valuable resource for students and researchers in the field.

Synapses, Neurons and Brains

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Fundamental & advanced neuroscience

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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