Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Harvard University

Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 3: The Brain

Harvard University via edX

Overview

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.

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: Vision
One 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: Audition
One 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 Senses
There 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 Action
Perceiving 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 Areas
While 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 Anatomy
In 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.

Taught by

David Cox

Reviews

5.0 rating, based on 7 Class Central reviews

4.9 rating at edX based on 19 ratings

Start your review of Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 3: The Brain

  • Verygood, perfect and user friendly program. Verygood, perfect and user friendly program. Verygood, perfect and user friendly program. Verygood, perfect and user friendly program. Verygood, perfect and user friendly program. Verygood, perfect and user friendly program. Verygood, perfect and user friendly program. Verygood, perfect and user friendly program. Verygood, perfect and user friendly program. Verygood, perfect and user friendly program. Verygood, perfect and user friendly program. Verygood, perfect and user friendly program.
  • Very nice and good information.well done

    Very nice and good information.well done. Well introduce , good quality excellent presentation
  • Anonymous
    O auto-conhecimento é primordial para crescimento do indivíduo, trazendo consigo o revelações essenciais no campo psicológico desbravando as faculdades mentais com o intuito de uma sociedade saudável.
  • Profile image for MAYSA FURTADO LIRA
    MAYSA FURTADO LIRA
    Gente é top esse estudo pois conseguimos conhecer é analisar nossos sistemas com o principal deles .

  • Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 3: The Brain
    Unfortunately, the above course was not what I did at Harvard, but since there was no an option for me, I chose that. The courses I studied were; Contract Law, Leadership Foundational Principles and Intro. to Computer Science. Those courses have enlightened me so greatly in many area of my life.
    However, I will encourage anybody to make time and take it, for their own good.
  • Naphat Permpredanun
    I think this course elevate my understanding on brain and neuron system more than I expected. With the great illustration, teaching by the competent professors, I have a deeper understanding on the theory of neuroscience and the system of brain. This course inspire my thought on pursuing some kind of neuroscience, too.

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.