Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 3: The Brain from edX

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.

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.

Lesson 1: VisionOne of the most developed senses in humans is our vision. In lesson 1, “Vision,” we take a deep dive into the visual system. How do we see, and more importantly, how do we understand what we see?

Lesson 2: AuditionOne of the many ways we communicate with one another and create community is through sound. In lesson 2, “Audition,” we will go on a journey that follows the path of sound waves as they are detected in the ear and processed in the brain.

Lesson 3: Touch, Taste, Smell, and the Remaining SensesThere are more than just five senses in the animal kingdom. Consider eels with their ability to sense electric fields or vampire bats that can track down prey via infrared detection. In lesson 3, “Touch, Taste, Smell, and the Remaining Senses,” we explore both the remaining traditional senses - touch, taste, and smell - as well as some of the more unusual ones.

Lesson 4: Movement and ActionPerceiving the world is useless if we cannot act. The motor subsystems of the brain execute and coordinate our movement. In lesson 4, “Movement and Action,” we discuss how the nervous system makes your muscles contract in a coordinated manner, so that you can move and interact with your surroundings.

Lesson 5: Subcortical Brain AreasWhile a highly-developed cortex is one of the key hallmarks of humanity, there's quite a bit more to the brain than cortex. In lesson 5, “Subcortical Brain Areas,” we explore the critical brain systems that keep us alive, help us orient to stimuli in our environment, and allow us to form new memories.

Lesson 6: Brain AnatomyIn the last lesson of this course, “Brain Anatomy,” we wrap up our investigation of the brain with a closer look at the structures found in the sensory and motor systems in a real human brain.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Reviews summary

Well-received neuroscience course

Learners say this course in Neuroscience is well received. It includes engaging assignments that provide a deeper understanding of the brain and neuron systems. They particularly appreciate the competent professors and the great illustrations throughout the materials.

All reviews are 5-star reviews.

"Very nice and good information.well done"

"This course inspire my thought on pursuing some kind of neuroscience, too."

"perfect and user friendly program"

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

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Revisit basic biological concepts to strengthen your understanding of the brain's mechanisms.

Browse courses on Biology

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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

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Gather a collection of resources to support your learning, such as articles, videos, and simulations.

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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

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Practice identifying different brain structures to enhance your spatial understanding of the brain.

Browse courses on Neuroanatomy

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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

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Join a study group

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Collaborate with peers to discuss course material, share insights, and test each other's understanding.

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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

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Gain hands-on experience in a neuroscience research setting.

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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

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Delve into neuroscience research articles to stay updated on the latest advancements in the field.

Browse courses on Neuroscience

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Behavioral Psychologist