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Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 3

The Brain

5.0 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star
Based on 6 ratings
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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.

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.

Enroll now

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

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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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.

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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Neuroscientist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Neurologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Neurosurgeon
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Neuropsychologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Ophthalmologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Otolaryngologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Physical 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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cognitive 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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Behavioral 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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Psychologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Psychiatrist

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.
Cover image
Principles of Neural Science, Fifth Edition
Save
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.
Principles of Neural Science, Fifth Edition...
Hardcover
$$$$
Principles of Neural Science, Fifth Edition...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Brain and Behavior - International Student Edition
Save
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.
Brain and Behavior - International Student Edition
Paperback
Check
Brain and Behavior - International Student Edition
Kindle Edition
Check
Sensation and Perception
Save
A textbook that provides an overview of the field of sensation and perception, covering topics such as vision, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.
Sensation and Perception
Paperback
Check
Sensation and Perception
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Behavioral Neuroscience
Save
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.
Behavioral Neuroscience
Paperback
Check
Behavioral Neuroscience
Kindle Edition
Check
Introduction to the Human Body
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.
Introduction to the Human Body
Loose Leaf
$$$$
Introduction to the Human Body
Hardcover
$$$
Introduction to the Human Body, 11e WileyPLUS Card...
Loose Leaf
$$$$
Introduction to the Human Body
Hardcover
$$$
Introduction to the Human Body: The Essentials of...
Hardcover
$$
Introduction to the Human Body: Learning Guide, The...
Paperback
$$
Learning Guide to accompany Introduction to the...
Paperback
$$
Introduction to the Human Body 9e + WileyPLUS...
Hardcover
$$$$
Introduction to the Human Body (Illustrated...
Spiral-bound
$
Introduction to the Human Body, 11th Edition
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Human Physiology
Save
A textbook that provides an overview of the human body, covering topics such as the skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, and endocrine system.
Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach
Kindle Edition
$$$
Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach Plus...
Hardcover
$$$$
Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach (7th...
Hardcover
$$$$
Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach (6th...
Hardcover
$$
Mastering A&P with Pearson eText -- Standalone...
Printed Access Code
$$$
Mastering A&P with Pearson eText -- Standalone...
Printed Access Code
$$
Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach (5th...
Hardcover
$$
Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach, Books a...
Loose Leaf
$$$$
Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach, 4th...
Hardcover
$$
MasteringA&P with Pearson eText -- Standalone...
Printed Access Code
$$$$
Cover image
Living Well with Tinnitus
Save
A textbook that provides an overview of the field of auditory perception, covering topics such as the anatomy and physiology of the auditory system, and the perception of speech and music.
Living Well with Tinnitus: A self-help guide using...
Paperback
$$
Living Well with Tinnitus: A self-help guide using...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Information-Processing Channels in the Tactile...
Save
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.
Information-Processing Channels in the Tactile...
Paperback
Check
Information-Processing Channels in the Tactile...
Kindle Edition
Check

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Rating
5.0 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star
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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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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