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David Cox
The human brain is a fantastically complex system, capable of transforming a torrent of incoming information into thought and action. In this course, we will look at how the various subsystems of the brain work together to enable us to survive and thrive in a changing world.
Each lesson will challenge you with interactive segments, animations, and documentaries that explore the richness and complexity of the brain. Our forums will provide you with a place to meet other students around the world, and you can learn from each other through a series of discussion questions.
Read more
The human brain is a fantastically complex system, capable of transforming a torrent of incoming information into thought and action. In this course, we will look at how the various subsystems of the brain work together to enable us to survive and thrive in a changing world.
Each lesson will challenge you with interactive segments, animations, and documentaries that explore the richness and complexity of the brain. Our forums will provide you with a place to meet other students around the world, and you can learn from each other through a series of discussion questions.
Read more
The human brain is a fantastically complex system, capable of transforming a torrent of incoming information into thought and action. In this course, we will look at how the various subsystems of the brain work together to enable us to survive and thrive in a changing world.
Each lesson will challenge you with interactive segments, animations, and documentaries that explore the richness and complexity of the brain. Our forums will provide you with a place to meet other students around the world, and you can learn from each other through a series of discussion questions.
Do you want to learn about how brains perceive the world? Join us as we explore sensation, perception and the physiology of functional regions of the brain.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/oggzgt/edx
What's inside
Learning objectives
- How sensory perception works in the brain
- How the physiology of vision, hearing, taste, smell, touch, motor control and other senses work
- The basic anatomy of functional areas of the brain
- The visual system of the brain
- How the motor subsystems of the brain execute and coordinate our movement.
- The critical brain systems that keep alive
- How sensory perception works in the brain
- How the physiology of vision, hearing, taste, smell, touch, motor control and other senses work
- The basic anatomy of functional areas of the brain
- The visual system of the brain
- How the motor subsystems of the brain execute and coordinate our movement.
- The critical brain systems that keep alive
Syllabus
The human brain is a fantastically complex system, capable of transforming a torrent of incoming senses into thought and action. In this module, we will look at the brain from a human-centric viewpoint, exploring how the various subsystems of the brain work, enabling us to survive and thrive in a changing world.
Read more
Syllabus
The human brain is a fantastically complex system, capable of transforming a torrent of incoming senses into thought and action. In this module, we will look at the brain from a human-centric viewpoint, exploring how the various subsystems of the brain work, enabling us to survive and thrive in a changing world.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Suitable for students just beginning their study of psychology
Explores the detailed anatomy and physiology of various brain regions
Includes a discussion of some unusual senses, such as the ability to sense electric fields or infrared detection
Covers the basic anatomy of different functional areas of the brain
Examines the critical brain systems that keep us alive
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Reviews summary
Fundamentals of the brain's sensory and motor systems
Learners say that "Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 3: The Brain" from Harvard University offers a strong and comprehensive overview of how the brain processes sensory information and controls movement. Many reviews highlight the clarity of the instruction and the engaging way complex topics are presented, often utilizing effective visualizations and animations. Students found the course material, particularly the sections on sensory perception, to be fascinating and well-explained, serving as a valuable foundation for understanding neurophysiology. While largely positive, some students noted that certain sections could feel less detailed or that having prior exposure to neuroscience concepts, potentially from previous parts of the series, is highly beneficial to keep pace with the material.
Content is inherently interesting and well-chosen.
"The topics covered, especially sensation and perception, were truly fascinating."
"I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the different sensory systems."
"Exploring subcortical areas and their function was particularly insightful."
Visuals and animations significantly aid understanding.
"The animations used throughout the course were exceptionally helpful in visualizing difficult concepts."
"The videos and diagrams were superb and really solidified my learning."
"I appreciated the visual demonstrations of how different brain areas interact."
Provides a solid base for understanding brain function.
"This course provided me with an invaluable foundation in neurophysiology."
"Great course to understand the fundamentals of brain anatomy and function."
"I feel much more confident in my understanding of sensory and motor systems after this course."
Complex concepts are made understandable and interesting.
"The lectures are very clear and engaging, explaining complex topics in an understandable way."
"I found the content to be highly interesting and the delivery method excellent."
"The way complex neural pathways are animated makes them much easier to grasp."
Some topics could benefit from more in-depth coverage.
"Certain sections felt a little rushed or only covered at a surface level."
"I was hoping for slightly more depth on the motor control pathways."
"While broad, the coverage isn't always as deep as I expected in certain areas."
Easier to follow with previous neuroscience knowledge.
"While valuable, I found it challenging at times without prior background in parts 1 & 2."
"Having some foundational knowledge in biology or earlier neuroscience courses is helpful."
"The pace is manageable if you have a basic understanding of neurological terms already."
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 3: The Brain with these
activities:
Review biological background
Show steps
Revisit basic biological concepts to strengthen your understanding of the brain's mechanisms.
Browse courses on
Biology
Show steps
-
Review basic cell biology concepts, including cell structure and function.
-
Brush up on the nervous system, including the structure and function of neurons and glial cells.
-
Revisit the endocrine system, focusing on hormones involved in brain function.
Build a neuroscience resource library
Show steps
Gather a collection of resources to support your learning, such as articles, videos, and simulations.
Show steps
-
Identify credible sources of neuroscience information.
-
Organize resources into categories, such as brain anatomy, neurophysiology, or cognitive neuroscience.
-
Create a digital or physical library for easy access.
Identify brain structures
Show steps
Practice identifying different brain structures to enhance your spatial understanding of the brain.
Browse courses on
Neuroanatomy
Show steps
-
Use online quizzes or flashcards to test your knowledge of brain structures.
-
Label diagrams of the brain to improve your visual recognition.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Join a study group
Show steps
Collaborate with peers to discuss course material, share insights, and test each other's understanding.
Show steps
-
Find or create a study group with other students enrolled in the course.
-
Establish regular meeting times and a communication platform.
-
Take turns leading discussions, presenting concepts, and solving problems together.
Volunteer at a neuroscience lab
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience in a neuroscience research setting.
Show steps
-
Identify neuroscience labs or research centers in your area.
-
Contact the lab or center to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Attend volunteer training and follow lab protocols.
Explore neuroscience research
Show steps
Delve into neuroscience research articles to stay updated on the latest advancements in the field.
Browse courses on
Neuroscience
Show steps
-
Identify reputable neuroscience journals or websites.
-
Choose research articles relevant to your interests.
-
Read and summarize key findings to enhance your understanding of current research.
Review biological background
Show steps
Revisit basic biological concepts to strengthen your understanding of the brain's mechanisms.
Browse courses on
Biology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review basic cell biology concepts, including cell structure and function.
- Brush up on the nervous system, including the structure and function of neurons and glial cells.
- Revisit the endocrine system, focusing on hormones involved in brain function.
Build a neuroscience resource library
Show steps
Gather a collection of resources to support your learning, such as articles, videos, and simulations.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify credible sources of neuroscience information.
- Organize resources into categories, such as brain anatomy, neurophysiology, or cognitive neuroscience.
- Create a digital or physical library for easy access.
Identify brain structures
Show steps
Practice identifying different brain structures to enhance your spatial understanding of the brain.
Browse courses on
Neuroanatomy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Use online quizzes or flashcards to test your knowledge of brain structures.
- Label diagrams of the brain to improve your visual recognition.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Join a study group
Show steps
Collaborate with peers to discuss course material, share insights, and test each other's understanding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find or create a study group with other students enrolled in the course.
- Establish regular meeting times and a communication platform.
- Take turns leading discussions, presenting concepts, and solving problems together.
Volunteer at a neuroscience lab
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience in a neuroscience research setting.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify neuroscience labs or research centers in your area.
- Contact the lab or center to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Attend volunteer training and follow lab protocols.
Explore neuroscience research
Show steps
Delve into neuroscience research articles to stay updated on the latest advancements in the field.
Browse courses on
Neuroscience
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable neuroscience journals or websites.
- Choose research articles relevant to your interests.
- Read and summarize key findings to enhance your understanding of current research.
Career center
Learners who complete Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 3: The Brain will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Neuroscientist
Neuroscientist
Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. Gaining an understanding of the nervous system through this course would be highly valuable to a career in neuroscience. From understanding your brain's systems and senses to learning how the brain coordinates movement and action, the information provided in this course is a strong foundation for a career as a neuroscientist. For professionals wanting to make a career pivot into neuroscience, this learning will also prove to be a great introduction to the field.
Neurologist
Neurologist
Neurologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. This course would be very helpful for a neurologist, as it provides a deep dive into the visual system, audition, and other senses. The course also covers movement and action, which are important topics for neurologists to understand. Additionally, the course covers the anatomy of the brain, which is essential knowledge for neurologists.
Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeons are medical doctors who specialize in the surgical treatment of diseases of the nervous system. This course would be very helpful for a neurosurgeon, as it provides a deep dive into the anatomy of the brain. The course also covers the visual system, audition, and other senses, which are important topics for neurosurgeons to understand. Additionally, the course covers movement and action, which are important topics for neurosurgeons to understand.
Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychologists are psychologists who specialize in the study of the relationship between brain function and behavior. This course would be very helpful for a neuropsychologist, as it provides a deep dive into the visual system, audition, and other senses. The course also covers movement and action, which are important topics for neuropsychologists to understand. Additionally, the course covers the anatomy of the brain, which is essential knowledge for neuropsychologists.
Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the eye. This course would be very helpful for an ophthalmologist, as it provides a deep dive into the visual system. The course also covers the anatomy of the brain, which is essential knowledge for ophthalmologists.
Otolaryngologist
Otolaryngologist
Otolaryngologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. This course would be very helpful for an otolaryngologist, as it provides a deep dive into audition. The course also covers the anatomy of the brain, which is essential knowledge for otolaryngologists.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who help people restore movement and function after an injury or illness. This course would be helpful for a physical therapist, as it provides a deep dive into movement and action, as well as the anatomy of the brain and nervous system. This course may also provide a helpful overview of the visual system and audition.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists are healthcare professionals who help people improve their ability to perform everyday activities. This course would be helpful for an occupational therapist, as it provides a deep dive into movement and action, as well as the anatomy of the brain and nervous system. This course may also provide a helpful overview of the visual system and audition.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists are healthcare professionals who help people with speech, language, and swallowing disorders. This course would be helpful for a speech-language pathologist, as it provides a deep dive into audition, as well as the anatomy of the brain and nervous system. This course may also provide a helpful overview of the visual system and movement and action.
Cognitive Psychologist
Cognitive Psychologist
Cognitive psychologists study how the human mind works, including perception, attention, memory, and thinking. This course would be helpful for a cognitive psychologist, as it provides a deep dive into the visual system, audition, and other senses. The course also covers movement and action, which are important topics for cognitive psychologists to understand. Additionally, the course covers the anatomy of the brain, which is essential knowledge for cognitive psychologists.
Behavioral Psychologist
Behavioral Psychologist
Behavioral psychologists study how people learn and behave. This course would be helpful for a behavioral psychologist, as it provides a deep dive into the visual system, audition, and other senses. The course also covers movement and action, which are important topics for behavioral psychologists to understand. Additionally, the course covers the anatomy of the brain, which is essential knowledge for behavioral psychologists.
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychologists provide therapy and counseling to people with mental health issues. This course would be helpful for a clinical psychologist, as it provides a deep dive into the anatomy of the brain and nervous system. The course also covers the visual system, audition, and other senses, which are important topics for clinical psychologists to understand. Additionally, the course covers movement and action, which are important topics for clinical psychologists to understand.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. This course would be helpful for a psychiatrist, as it provides a deep dive into the anatomy of the brain and nervous system. The course also covers the visual system, audition, and other senses, which are important topics for psychiatrists to understand. Additionally, the course covers movement and action, which are important topics for psychiatrists to understand.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/oggzgt/edx
Reading list
We've selected eight 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 3: The Brain.
A comprehensive textbook on neuroscience, covering all major areas of the field and an essential reference for researchers and students alike; it provides a detailed overview of the field of neuroscience.
A textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of behavioral neuroscience, covering topics such as the brain's structure and function, sensation and perception, learning and memory, emotion, and motivation.
A textbook that provides an overview of the field of sensation and perception, covering topics such as vision, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.
A textbook that provides an overview of the field of behavioral neuroscience, covering topics such as the brain's structure and function, sensation and perception, learning and memory, emotion, and motivation.
A textbook that provides an overview of the human body, covering topics such as the skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, and endocrine system.
Save
A textbook that provides an overview of the human body, covering topics such as the skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, and endocrine system.
A textbook that provides an overview of the field of auditory perception, covering topics such as the anatomy and physiology of the auditory system, and the perception of speech and music.
A textbook that provides an overview of the somatosensory system, covering topics such as the anatomy and physiology of the somatosensory system, and the perception of touch, temperature, and pain.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/oggzgt/edx
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Rating
5.0
Effort
3 to 5 hours per week for 8 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Harvard University
Instructor
David Cox
Language
English
Transcripts
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