OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
Sorry, this page is no longer available
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
edX logo

AP® Psychology - Course 2

How the Brain Works

4.7 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 7 ratings
see reviews
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:

Read more

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:

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

Enroll now

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

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Ap psychology: understanding the brain

According to learners, this course offers a well-structured introduction to the biological basis of psychology, covering how the brain works, genetics, and sensory systems. Students appreciate the clear explanations and find the content directly relevant to the AP® Psychology syllabus. Many feel the course's lectures and practice questions are valuable for exam preparation. While generally positive, some indicate that it may require supplementary reading for complete AP coverage and a few noted that the quizzes could be more challenging to match exam difficulty.
Quizzes aid learning and retention.
"The practice questions after each section were great for checking my understanding."
"I found the quizzes useful for reinforcing the material I just learned."
"Testing myself with the questions helped me remember the key terms and concepts."
Content aligns well with the AP syllabus.
"This course was very helpful in preparing me for the AP exam, covering key biological concepts."
"The topics covered aligned perfectly with what I needed to know for the AP curriculum."
"It really helped solidify the biological psychology section for my AP studies."
Concepts are explained clearly and logically.
"The explanations were easy to follow, making complex topics understandable."
"I really appreciated how clearly the instructor broke down the functions of the brain."
"The way the material was presented made it very accessible."
Quizzes may not match exam difficulty.
"The quizzes were a bit too easy compared to actual AP questions."
"I wish the practice questions were more challenging to truly test my knowledge."
"The quizzes helped with basic recall but didn't simulate exam difficulty well."
May need additional resources for depth.
"While good, I felt I needed my textbook for more in-depth coverage on certain topics."
"It provides a solid overview, but supplementary reading is recommended for the AP exam."
"Don't rely solely on this course if you're aiming for a high AP score; use other materials too."

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
Solidify your understanding of foundational science concepts to enhance your comprehension of neurobiology.
Browse courses on Biology
Show steps
  • 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
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
Show steps
  • Read Chapter 1: Introduction
  • Read Chapter 2: The Neuron
  • Read Chapter 3: The Synapse
  • Summarize key concepts in your own words
Practice neuroscientific terminology
Working through drills will introduce essential terms and definitions in neuroscience.
Browse courses on Neuroscience
Show steps
  • 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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Assemble a glossary of neuroscientific terms
Creating a glossary can strengthen your understanding and retention of key neuroscientific terms.
Browse courses on Neuroscience
Show steps
  • 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
Interactive simulations and animations can make complex neuroscientific concepts more accessible and engaging.
Browse courses on Neuroscience
Show steps
  • 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
Build confidence and comprehension by engaging in group discussions about the course material.
Show steps
  • 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
Using visual aids to present neural structures can help in learning their organization and functions.
Browse courses on Neuroscience
Show steps
  • 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:
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Neurosurgeon
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Neurologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Psychiatrist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Psychologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cognitive Psychologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Behavioral Neuroscientist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Neuropharmacologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Neurophysiologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Neuropathologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Ophthalmologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Otolaryngologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist
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
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist
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

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:
70+ Free AP Online Courses & MOOCs for Advanced Placement Learners
5 minute read
The Definitive List of Advanced Placement (AP) Online Courses
31 minute read

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.
Cover image
Principles of Neural Science, Fifth Edition
Save
This classic textbook comprehensive reference covering all aspects of neuroscience, written by leading experts in the field.
Principles of Neural Science, Fifth Edition...
Hardcover
$$$$
Principles of Neural Science, Fifth Edition...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Cognitive Psychology
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of cognitive psychology, including topics such as attention, memory, and decision-making.
Cognitive Psychology: A Student's Handbook
Paperback
$$$
Cognitive Psychology: A Student's Handbook
Paperback
$$
Cognitive Psychology: A Student's Handbook
Paperback
$$$
Cognitive Psychology: A Student's Handbook
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Our Tribal Future
Save
This textbook introduces the field of evolutionary psychology, which explores the evolutionary origins of human behavior.
Our Tribal Future: How to Channel Our Foundational...
Hardcover
$$
Our Tribal Future: How to Channel Our Foundational...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Social Psychology, Global Edition
Save
This textbook provides a broad overview of the field of social psychology, including topics such as social influence, group dynamics, and interpersonal relationships.
Social Psychology Global Edition
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: CHIL DHOOD and ADOLESCENCE
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of child and adolescent development, which is helpful for understanding the developmental processes that occur throughout the lifespan.
Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology
Save
This textbook provides a solid foundation in human anatomy and physiology, which is helpful for understanding the biological basis of behavior.
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology
Loose Leaf
$$$$
Principles of Anatomy & Physiology
Hardcover
$$$
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 15th Edition
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 16e...
Paperback
$$$
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology
Loose Leaf
$$$
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 14th Edition
Hardcover
$$$$
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 12th Edition
Hardcover
$$$
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology + A Brief...
Hardcover
$$$$
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology
Loose Leaf
$$$$
Cover image
Psychopathology: Science and Practice
Save
This textbook provides an overview of abnormal psychology, including the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
Psychopathology: Science and Practice
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Understanding Statistics in Psychology with SPSS
Save
This textbook provides a foundation in research methods, which is essential for evaluating psychological research.
Understanding Statistics in Psychology with SPSS
Paperback
Check
Understanding Statistics in Psychology with SPSS
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Sensation and Perception
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the sensory systems and how they contribute to perception.
Sensation and Perception
Hardcover
$$
LMS Integrated for MindTap Psychology, 1 term (6...
Printed Access Code
$$$
Bundle: Sensation and Perception, 10th + COGLAB 5,...
Product Bundle
$$$$
Sensation and Perception
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
Save
This textbook provides a solid foundation in statistics, which is essential for understanding research in psychology.
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
Paperback
$$$$
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
Hardcover
$$$$
Essential Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
Paperback
$$$$
Student Study Guide With IBM® SPSS® Workbook for...
Paperback
$$
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
Hardcover
$$$
Essential Statistical Analysis "In Focus":...
Paperback
$$
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
Hardcover
$$$
Student Study Guide With IBM® SPSS® Workbook for...
Paperback
$$
BUNDLE: Privitera: Essential Statistics for the...
Paperback
$$$$
Statistical Analysis "In Focus": Alternate Guides...
Paperback
$$$
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
Kindle Edition
$$$
Student Study Guide With IBM® SPSS® Workbook for...
Kindle Edition
$$
Essential Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
Kindle Edition
$$$
Statistical Analysis "In Focus": Alternate Guides...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Essential Statistical Analysis "In Focus":...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Psychology and Work Today, 10th Edition
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of different theories of personality, which is helpful for understanding individual differences in behavior.
Psychology and Work Today, 10th Edition
Paperback
Check
Psychology and Work Today, 10th Edition
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Health Psychology
Save
This textbook provides an overview of the field of health psychology, which examines the relationship between psychological factors and physical health.
Health Psychology
Paperback
Check
Health Psychology
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Introduction to Logic
Save
This textbook provides a foundation in logic, which is helpful for understanding the scientific method and experimental design.
Introduction to Logic
Hardcover
$$$$
Introduction to Logic
Kindle Edition
$$$

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to AP® Psychology - Course 2: How the Brain Works.
Interpersonal, Developmental, and Evolutionary...
Most relevant
The Neuroscience of Leading Transformational Organizations
Most relevant
The Neuroscience of Leading High-Performance Teams
Most relevant
The Neuroscience of Personal Excellence
Most relevant
Introduction to Biology: Evolution
Most relevant
Overcoming Dyslexia
Most relevant
Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science
Most relevant
Fundamental Neural Pathways For Movement
Most relevant
Uncommon Sense Teaching: Teaching Online
Most relevant

edX Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

World-Class University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

Free Audit Track Available

Free audit track available for most courses, giving open access to video lectures, course readings, and assignments at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Full Refund Window

14-day full refund available up to 14 days after course start or 14 days after payment (whichever comes second, up to 6 months max), provided verified certificate has not yet been earned.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

University-backed credentials authored by elite institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Oxford, with tamper-proof certificate verification.

Key Purchase Protections
Free audit track for open learning access
14-day money-back guarantee on verified certificates
Prestigious university credentials (Harvard, MIT)
Automatic unenrollment refund process via dashboard
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Rating
4.7 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
8 to 12 hours per week for 5 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
University of British Columbia
Instructor
Steven J. Barnes
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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
Featured in The Course Notes
Read two articles that feature this course, AP® Psychology - Course 2: How the Brain Works from our blog, The Course Notes:
70+ Free AP Online Courses & MOOCs for Advanced Placement Learners
5 minute read
The Definitive List of Advanced Placement (AP) Online Courses
31 minute read
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to AP® Psychology - Course 2.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser