Introduction to Neuroscience

From neurons to minds, explore what we know about how the brain works–and how to investigate what we don’t.

As you read this description, dozens of networks spread across your brain are hard at work scanning the page, recognizing letters, and putting everything together into sentences. There are more possible connections between the cells in these networks than there are atoms in the universe. This machine hidden between your ears can also daydream, play chess, and type out the next great American novel! How well do we know how it works?

This course is a broad introduction to neuroscience, from the well studied and fundamental to the philosophically significant and unknown. We’ll start by learning about the building blocks of the nervous system–neurons–and how they communicate with each other. From there, we’ll study sensory and motor systems and, finally, discuss what we know (and what we wish we knew) about behavior.

Though we’ll learn quite a lot about the brain, this course is intended to leave you with more questions than answers–and with the tools to start pursuing them. In class, we’ll perform hands-on demonstrations, learn to read scientific journal articles, and explore the many tools and approaches used to study the brain.

For the application...

Prerequisites

Knowledge equivalent to 1 year of high-school biology. Prior coursework in trigonometry is recommended but not necessary.

Relevant experience

Please list any classes or activities in biology, chemistry, and psychology that you have participated in, as well as any books, articles, videos, or experiences that may have sparked your interest in neuroscience.

Application Question (Core-specific free response)

Please click here to download the application questions for this course.