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Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2

Neurons and Networks

David Cox

Neurons in isolation are fascinating and complicated, but the real magic of neuroscience happens in the interaction between neurons. In this course, we examine how neurons pass signals to one another and how complex dynamics can result from just a few neurons arranged in relatively simple circuits.

Continue your journey through our Fundamentals of Neuroscience series with animations that explore the richness and complexity of the brain, documentaries about working labs around Cambridge.

Join us as we use virtual labs that simulate neuron circuitry as we investigate the collective behavior of neurons and learn how the brain modulates the signals in those networks.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Basics of synapses
How neurons communicate with each other

How interconnected neurons in neuronal circuits interact with each other
The role of neuromodulation in the firing of synapses

Basics of synapses
How neurons communicate with each other
How interconnected neurons in neuronal circuits interact with each other
The role of neuromodulation in the firing of synapses

Syllabus

Neurons in isolation are fascinating and complex, but the real magic of neuroscience becomes manifest when we consider how neurons interact with one another. In this module, we examine how neurons pass signals to one another, and we explore how complex dynamics can result from even small numbers of neurons arranged in relatively simple circuits.Lesson1: The SynapseThe junctions between neurons, called synapses, allow information to pass from one neuron to another. In lesson 1 “The Synapse,” we explore what synapses are made of, and how they work.

Lesson 2: Excitation & InhibitionSynapses can be grouped into two categories: synapses that increase the activity of the postsynaptic neuron are called excitatory synapses, while those that decrease its activity are called inhibitory synapses. In lesson 2 “Excitation & Inhibition,” we discuss the main differences between excitatory and inhibitory synapses.

Lesson 3: Small CircuitsNeurons combine information from many synapses at once in a process known as synaptic integration. In lesson 3 “Small Circuits,” we explore how a neuron integrates information from multiple synapses over time to allow complex signaling.

Lesson 4: NeuromodulationHow many components are there in a synapse? You may think that the answer is simple: two, the presynaptic and the postsynaptic terminals. In lesson 4 “Neuromodulation,” we’ll see that this is not entirely true: the strength of many synapses is directly influenced by a third neuron, in a process called neuromodulation.

Lesson 5: Potentiation & DepressionOne of the most amazing properties of the nervous system is its ability to adapt and change in the face of a changing environment, a phenomenon called "neuronal plasticity." Lesson 5, “Potentiation and Depression,” focuses on how neuronal plasticity occurs in the brain, and how it shapes the way we think and behave.

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Examines the fundamentals of neuroscience including neurons, synapses, and circuits

Teaches the basics of synapses, how neurons communicate, and how neuronal circuits interact

Explores the role of neuromodulation in the firing of synapses

Develops an understanding of how neurons pass signals to one another

Strengthens an existing foundation for beginners in neuroscience

Taught by David Cox, an experienced instructor in neuroscience

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Reviews summary

Solid neuroscience course

Learners say this course offers a solid introduction to the fundamentals of neuroscience, including the structure and function of neurons and neural networks. Students largely enjoyed the well-structured lectures and found the engaging assignments to be helpful in reinforcing key concepts.

Assignments help reinforce key concepts.

"Aprender más sobre la neurociencia y fundamentos principales del funcionamiento, y la capacidad se como se va procesando los pensamientos"

The course is organized in a clear and logical manner.

"As a researcher, acquired more knowledge is very paramount to those who are very much interested in teaching and learning."

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 Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2: Neurons and Networks with these activities:

Refresh knowledge of basic neuroscience concepts

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Review the basics of neuroscience, including the structure and function of neurons, the different types of neurotransmitters, and the basics of synaptic transmission.

Browse courses on Neurons

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Read a textbook chapter or online article on the basics of neuroscience.
Review your notes from a previous neuroscience course.
Take a practice quiz on basic neuroscience concepts.

Watch a video tutorial on the synaptic transmission process

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Watch a video tutorial that explains the process of synaptic transmission, including the steps of neurotransmitter release, receptor binding, and postsynaptic response.

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Find a video tutorial on synaptic transmission.
Watch the video and take notes.

Practice identifying different types of neurons

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Practice identifying different types of neurons based on their morphology, including pyramidal cells, stellate cells, and basket cells.

Browse courses on Neurons

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Use an online tool or app to practice identifying different types of neurons.
Draw different types of neurons from memory.
Label the different parts of a neuron.

Five other activities

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Read a chapter from a neuroscience textbook

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Read a chapter from a neuroscience textbook to supplement your learning.

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

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Choose a chapter that is relevant to the course material.
Read the chapter and take notes.
Summarize the main points of the chapter.

Create a mind map of the different types of neurotransmitters

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Create a mind map that includes the different types of neurotransmitters, their functions, and their target receptors.

Browse courses on Neurotransmitters

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Research the different types of neurotransmitters.
Create a mind map using a tool like MindMeister or XMind.
Add information about the functions and target receptors of each neurotransmitter.

Discuss the different types of synaptic plasticity with a classmate

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Discuss the different types of synaptic plasticity, such as long-term potentiation and long-term depression, with a classmate.

Browse courses on Synaptic Plasticity

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Find a classmate who is also taking the course.
Schedule a time to meet and discuss the topic.
Come prepared to the discussion with notes and questions.

Create a presentation on the role of neuromodulators in brain function

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Create a presentation that explains the role of neuromodulators in brain function, including their effects on attention, memory, and mood.

Browse courses on Brain Function

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Research the role of neuromodulators in brain function.
Create a presentation using a tool like PowerPoint or Google Slides.
Include information on the different types of neuromodulators, their functions, and their target receptors.

Contribute to an open-source neuroscience project

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Contribute to an open-source neuroscience project to gain hands-on experience with real-world neuroscience data and tools.

Browse courses on Computational Neuroscience

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Find an open-source neuroscience project to contribute to.
Read the project documentation and familiarize yourself with the codebase.
Identify a small task or feature to work on.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2: Neurons and Networks will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Neuroscience Professor

A Neuroscience Professor teaches and conducts research in the field of neuroscience at a college or university. They develop and deliver lectures, lead discussions, and mentor students. The Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2: Neurons and Networks course provides a strong foundation for this career by teaching the basics of synapses, how neurons communicate with each other, and how interconnected neurons in neuronal circuits interact with each other.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neuroscience Professor

Research Scientist

A Research Scientist performs research to contribute to new or existing knowledge in the field of neuroscience. They design experiments, collect data, analyze data, and write research papers. The Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2: Neurons and Networks course provides a strong foundation for this career by teaching the basics of synapses, how neurons communicate with each other, and how interconnected neurons in neuronal circuits interact with each other.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Computational Neuroscientist

A Computational Neuroscientist uses computer models and simulations to study the nervous system. They develop and test models of neurons, neural networks, and brain regions to better understand how the brain works. The Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2: Neurons and Networks course provides a strong foundation for this career by teaching the basics of synapses, how neurons communicate with each other, and how interconnected neurons in neuronal circuits interact with each other.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computational Neuroscientist

Neuroengineer

A Neuroengineer designs and develops devices and technologies to diagnose and treat neurological disorders. They work closely with neurologists, neurosurgeons, and other medical professionals to develop new and innovative ways to improve the lives of patients. The Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2: Neurons and Networks course provides a strong foundation for this career by teaching the basics of synapses, how neurons communicate with each other, and how interconnected neurons in neuronal circuits interact with each other.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neuroengineer

Neurophysiologist

A Neurophysiologist studies the electrical activity of the nervous system. They use electroencephalography (EEG) and other techniques to record and analyze brain waves, and work closely with neurologists and neurosurgeons to diagnose and treat neurological disorders. The Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2: Neurons and Networks course provides a strong foundation for this career by teaching the basics of synapses, how neurons communicate with each other, and how interconnected neurons in neuronal circuits interact with each other.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neurophysiologist

Neuropharmacologist

A Neuropharmacologist studies the effects of drugs on the nervous system. They develop and test new drugs to treat neurological disorders, and work closely with neurologists and neurosurgeons to provide the best possible care for their patients. The Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2: Neurons and Networks course provides a strong foundation for this career by teaching the basics of synapses, how neurons communicate with each other, and how interconnected neurons in neuronal circuits interact with each other.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neuropharmacologist

Neuroethologist

A Neuroethologist studies the neural basis of behavior. They investigate how the brain controls movement, emotion, and cognition in animals. The Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2: Neurons and Networks course provides a foundation in the basics of synapses, how neurons communicate with each other, and how interconnected neurons in neuronal circuits interact with each other.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neuroethologist

Behavioral Neuroscientist

A Behavioral Neuroscientist studies the relationship between the brain and behavior. They investigate how the brain controls movement, emotion, and cognition. The Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2: Neurons and Networks course provides a foundation in the basics of synapses, how neurons communicate with each other, and how interconnected neurons in neuronal circuits interact with each other.

See salaries and explore the career path for Behavioral Neuroscientist

Cognitive Neuroscientist

A Cognitive Neuroscientist studies the neural basis of cognition. They use a variety of techniques, including fMRI, PET, and EEG, to investigate how the brain processes information. The Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2: Neurons and Networks course provides a foundation in the basics of synapses, how neurons communicate with each other, and how interconnected neurons in neuronal circuits interact with each other.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cognitive Neuroscientist

Systems Neuroscientist

A Systems Neuroscientist studies the brain as a complex system. They use a variety of techniques, including mathematical modeling, computer simulations, and animal studies, to investigate how the brain integrates information from different regions and how it gives rise to behavior. The Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2: Neurons and Networks course provides a foundation in the basics of synapses, how neurons communicate with each other, and how interconnected neurons in neuronal circuits interact with each other.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Neuroscientist

Developmental Neuroscientist

A Developmental Neuroscientist studies the development of the nervous system. They investigate how the brain and spinal cord grow and change from conception to adulthood. The Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2: Neurons and Networks course provides a foundation in the basics of synapses, how neurons communicate with each other, and how interconnected neurons in neuronal circuits interact with each other.

See salaries and explore the career path for Developmental Neuroscientist

Neurosurgeon

A Neurosurgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders of the nervous system. They perform complex surgeries on the brain and spinal cord, and work closely with neurologists to provide the best possible care for their patients. The Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2: Neurons and Networks course may be useful for a Neurosurgeon, as it provides a strong foundation in the basics of synapses, how neurons communicate with each other, and how interconnected neurons in neuronal circuits interact with each other.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neurosurgeon

Neuropsychologist

A Neuropsychologist studies the relationship between the brain and behavior. They assess and diagnose brain injuries and disorders, and develop rehabilitation plans to help patients recover their cognitive and behavioral abilities. The Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2: Neurons and Networks course may be useful for a Neuropsychologist, as it provides a foundation in the basics of synapses, how neurons communicate with each other, and how interconnected neurons in neuronal circuits interact with each other.

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Neurologist

A Neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system. They work closely with neurosurgeons to provide the best possible care for their patients. The Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2: Neurons and Networks course may be useful for a Neurologist, as it provides a foundation in the basics of synapses, how neurons communicate with each other, and how interconnected neurons in neuronal circuits interact with each other.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neurologist

Neuroimmunologist

A Neuroimmunologist studies the relationship between the nervous system and the immune system. They investigate how the brain and spinal cord interact with the immune system to maintain health and fight disease.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neuroimmunologist

Reading list

We've selected 26 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 Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2: Neurons and Networks.

Principles of Neural Science, Fifth Edition

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This is one of the most comprehensive textbooks in neuroscience. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basic principles of neuroscience to the latest advances in the field.

Principles of Neural Science, Fifth Edition...

Hardcover

$$$$

Principles of Neural Science, Fifth Edition...

Kindle Edition

$$$

Fundamentals of Computational Neuroscience

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This textbook provides an introduction to the computational principles that underlie neural function.

Fundamentals of Computational Neuroscience: Third...

Paperback

Fundamentals of Computational Neuroscience: Third...

Kindle Edition

From Neuron to Brain

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This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the nervous system, from the molecular level to the cognitive level. Includes helpful illustrations and diagrams.

From Neuron to Brain: A Cellular and Molecular...

Hardcover

$$$

How the SELF Controls Its BRAIN

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Nobel Laureate Eccles covers the key principles of brain function, with an emphasis on how information is processed in neuronal networks. He presents an in-depth look into synaptic transmission and neural circuits.

Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2

Neurons and Networks

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Solid neuroscience course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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