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AP® Psychology - Course 2

How the Brain Works

Steven J. Barnes

This psychology course will show you how the brain works. You will learn the basics of neuroscience, genetics and evolutionary psychology. We will also cover the visual system and other sensory systems. The course concludes with coverage of the variety of states of consciousness.

This course includes video-based lectures and demonstrations, interviews with real research psychologists and a plethora of practice questions to help prepare you for that AP® Psychology exam.

This is the second in a six-course AP® Psychology sequence designed to prepare you for the AP® Psychology exam.

Additional Courses:

This course includes video-based lectures and demonstrations, interviews with real research psychologists and a plethora of practice questions to help prepare you for that AP® Psychology exam.

This is the second in a six-course AP® Psychology sequence designed to prepare you for the AP® Psychology exam.

Additional Courses:

AP® Psychology - Course 1: What is Psychology

AP® Psychology - Course 3: How the Mind Works

AP® Psychology - Course 4: How Behavior Works

AP® Psychology - Course 5: Health and Behavior

AP® Psychology - Course 6: Exam Preparation & Review

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What's inside

Learning objectives

The basics of neuroanatomy, neural transmission, and the endocrine system
The basics of genetics
An understanding of the field of evolutionary psychology

The neuroscience and psychology of the visual system and your other sensory systems
The psychology of perception and attention
The variety of states of consciousness

The basics of neuroanatomy, neural transmission, and the endocrine system
The basics of genetics
An understanding of the field of evolutionary psychology
The neuroscience and psychology of the visual system and your other sensory systems
The psychology of perception and attention
The variety of states of consciousness

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers comprehensive range of fundamental principles in psychology

May be appropriate for secondary learners preparing for an AP exam

Taught by recognized academic instructor

Multi-modal format using video-based lectures, demonstrations, interviews, and practice questions

Additional courses are available as part of a course sequence

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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 AP® Psychology - Course 2: How the Brain Works with these activities:

Review basic science concepts

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Solidify your understanding of foundational science concepts to enhance your comprehension of neurobiology.

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Revise key concepts in biology, such as cell structure and function
Review fundamental chemistry principles, including chemical bonding and molecular interactions
Recall basic physics concepts, such as electricity, magnetism, and energy

Review Principles of Neural Science

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Start the course with a review of a seminal text in the field of neuroscience to build a foundational understanding of core concepts.

View Principles of Neural Science, Fifth Edition... on Amazon

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Read Chapter 1: Introduction
Read Chapter 2: The Neuron
Read Chapter 3: The Synapse
Summarize key concepts in your own words

Practice neuroscientific terminology

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Working through drills will introduce essential terms and definitions in neuroscience.

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Identify the definition of terms such as neuron, synapse, and neurotransmitter
Review and memorize the names and functions of different brain regions
Complete practice questions matching terms and definitions

Four other activities

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Assemble a glossary of neuroscientific terms

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Creating a glossary can strengthen your understanding and retention of key neuroscientific terms.

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Compile a list of essential terms from lectures, textbooks, and other resources
Define each term clearly and concisely
Organize the glossary alphabetically or by category

Explore interactive simulations of the nervous system

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Interactive simulations and animations can make complex neuroscientific concepts more accessible and engaging.

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Find and access reputable websites or platforms offering interactive simulations
Choose simulations related to the topics covered in the course
Engage with the simulations and explore different parameters

Form a study group

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Build confidence and comprehension by engaging in group discussions about the course material.

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Create a study group with 2-4 other students
Meet regularly to discuss lecture topics
Take turns presenting key concepts to the group

Design a visual representation of brain structures

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Using visual aids to present neural structures can help in learning their organization and functions.

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Select a technique such as drawing, 3D modeling, or using digital tools
Choose specific brain structures to focus on
Research and gather information on the structure and function of each brain region
Create a clear and concise visual representation

Career center

Learners who complete AP® Psychology - Course 2: How the Brain Works will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Physical Therapist

A Physical Therapist is a therapist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders. This course may be useful to a Physical Therapist because it teaches the basics of the nervous system, and how this system is affected by movement disorders. This knowledge can help a Physical Therapist better understand movement disorders, and how to treat them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Therapist

Occupational Therapist

An Occupational Therapist is a therapist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of physical disabilities. This course may be useful to an Occupational Therapist because it teaches the basics of the nervous system, and how this system is affected by physical disabilities. This knowledge can help an Occupational Therapist better understand physical disabilities, and how to treat them.

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Psychiatrist

A Psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. This course may be useful to a Psychiatrist because it teaches the basics of the brain and nervous system, and how these systems are related to mental disorders. This knowledge can help a Psychiatrist better understand mental disorders, and how to treat them.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

A Speech-Language Pathologist is a therapist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of speech and language disorders. This course may be useful to a Speech-Language Pathologist because it teaches the basics of the auditory and speech production systems, and how these systems are affected by disorders. This knowledge can help a Speech-Language Pathologist better understand speech and language disorders, and how to treat them.

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Audiologist

An Audiologist is a therapist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders. This course may be useful to an Audiologist because it teaches the basics of the auditory system, and how this system is affected by disorders. This knowledge can help an Audiologist better understand hearing disorders, and how to treat them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audiologist

Clinical Psychologist

A Clinical Psychologist is a psychologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. This course may be useful to a Clinical Psychologist because it teaches the basics of the brain and nervous system, and how these systems are related to mental disorders. This knowledge can help a Clinical Psychologist better understand mental disorders, and how to treat them.

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Neurologist

A Neurologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system. This course may be useful to a Neurologist because it teaches the basics of neuroanatomy, neural transmission, and the endocrine system. This knowledge can help a Neurologist better understand the nervous system, and how to treat disorders of this system.

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Neurosurgeon

A Neurosurgeon is a physician who operates on the brain and nervous system. This course may be useful to a Neurosurgeon because it teaches the basics of neuroanatomy, neural transmission, and the endocrine system. This knowledge can help a Neurosurgeon better understand the brain and nervous system, and how to treat disorders of these systems.

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Cognitive Psychologist

A Cognitive Psychologist is a psychologist who studies the mind and how it works. This course may be useful to a Cognitive Psychologist because it teaches the basics of the brain and nervous system, and how these systems are related to cognition. This knowledge can help a Cognitive Psychologist better understand the mind, and how it works.

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Ophthalmologist

An Ophthalmologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the eye. This course may be useful to an Ophthalmologist because it teaches the basics of the visual system, and how this system is affected by diseases. This knowledge can help an Ophthalmologist better understand diseases of the eye, and how to treat them.

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Neuropharmacologist

A Neuropharmacologist is a scientist who studies the effects of drugs on the brain and nervous system. This course may be useful to a Neuropharmacologist because it teaches the basics of the brain and nervous system, and how these systems are affected by drugs. This knowledge can help a Neuropharmacologist better understand the effects of drugs on the brain and nervous system.

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Behavioral Neuroscientist

A Behavioral Neuroscientist is a scientist who studies the relationship between the brain and behavior. This course may be useful to a Behavioral Neuroscientist because it teaches the basics of the brain and nervous system, and how these systems are related to behavior. This knowledge can help a Behavioral Neuroscientist better understand the relationship between the brain and behavior.

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Neurophysiologist

A Neurophysiologist is a scientist who studies the electrical activity of the brain and nervous system. This course may be useful to a Neurophysiologist because it teaches the basics of the brain and nervous system, and how these systems generate electrical activity. This knowledge can help a Neurophysiologist better understand the electrical activity of the brain and nervous system.

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Neuropathologist

A Neuropathologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the brain and nervous system. This course may be useful to a Neuropathologist because it teaches the basics of the brain and nervous system, and how these systems are affected by diseases. This knowledge can help a Neuropathologist better understand diseases of the brain and nervous system, and how to treat them.

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Otolaryngologist

An Otolaryngologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. This course may be useful to an Otolaryngologist because it teaches the basics of the auditory and vestibular systems, and how these systems are affected by diseases. This knowledge can help an Otolaryngologist better understand diseases of the ear, nose, and throat, and how to treat them.

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Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read two articles that feature AP® Psychology - Course 2: How the Brain Works:

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Reading list

We've selected 13 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 AP® Psychology - Course 2: How the Brain Works.