About this course: Learn how the nervous system produces behavior, how we use our brain every day, and how neuroscience can explain the common problems afflicting people today. We will study functional human neuroanatomy and neuronal communication, and then use this information to understand how we perceive the outside world, move our bodies voluntarily, stay alive, and play well with others.
Who is this class for: This class is designed to be self-contained and accessible to anyone, from non-scientists interested in the material to those who have already had some formal training in neurobiology.
Created by: The University of Chicago
Taught by: Peggy Mason, Professor
Neurobiology
| Level | Beginner |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
The Nervous System
Neurobiology is a rapidly growing area of scientific research, and is becoming increasingly prevalent in the news and popular culture. In this course, we will study of the nervous system from a biological perspective by exploring the fundamental concepts in n...
17 videos, 3 readings
Graded: The Nervous System
WEEK 2
Neural Communication + Embodied Emotion
Neurons are the cells of the nervous system responsible for communicating, relaying, and integrating information. Neurons "talk" to other neurons through a special type of language that involves electrical signaling within individual neurons, and the use of ch...
17 videos, 2 readings
Graded: Neurocommunications
WEEK 3
Neuroanatomy
Neuroanatomy tells us how the nervous system is organized. Understanding the form of the brain is essential to understanding its function. By comparing the structure of the brain with a patient's symptoms, neurologists are able to identify the location of ce...
26 videos, 2 readings
Graded: Neuroanatomy
WEEK 4
Perception and Vision
Perception is how the brain interprets incoming stimuli. Not all stimuli that can be sensed are perceivable, and sometimes those that can be perceived play tricks on us. The systematic ways that stimuli are interpreted (or misinterpreted) show how well the b...
26 videos, 3 readings
Graded: Perception and Vision
WEEK 5
Hearing
The sound of birds chirping in the morning, a babbling brook or crashing waves on the beach, or warm conversation with the ones you love. The experience of all these things requires the ability to hear. Arguably the most important sense for human communication...
16 videos, 3 readings
Graded: Hearing
WEEK 6
The Vestibular Sense & Gaze
The vestibular system and gaze control give us so much but are grossly under appreciated. They are so fundamental that we discount them, assuming that they will always be there. When the vestibular system fails us, its importance dominates our lives. Living wi...
16 videos, 2 readings
Graded: The Vestibular Sense & Gaze
WEEK 7
Voluntary Movements
"Voluntary movements are how we interact with the world. The organization of the motor system has implications for how we move, and the types of movements we can make. This module we'll start to explore the organization of the motor system, from neurons to m...
18 videos, 2 readings
Graded: Voluntary Movements
WEEK 8
Motor Modulation
You should now have an understanding of how muscles function to initiate movements. However, the brain requires more than just the cerebral cortex to determine what movements to perform and to make those movements smooth and guided. This module, we'll explore ...
19 videos, 2 readings
Graded: Motor Modulation
WEEK 9
Homeostasis
Although our bodies are very robust and we can live in a range of environments, our brain requires very specific conditions to function properly. Homeostasis is the active process by which our nervous system regulates internal conditions, such as blood pressu...
13 videos, 2 readings
Graded: Homeostasis
WEEK 10
Abstract Function
You've now learned an incredible amount about the way the brain functions to perceive and act upon the world we live in. You've gained an understanding of neurobiology on a cellular level, and how many diseases and disorders of the nervous system can affect ou...
18 videos, 2 readings
Graded: Introduction to Abstract Function
Graded: Final Project
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
Help from Your Peers
Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.
Certificates
Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.
Creators
The University of Chicago
One of the world's premier academic and research institutions, the University of Chicago has driven new ways of thinking since our 1890 founding. Today, UChicago is an intellectual destination that draws inspired scholars to our Hyde Park and international campuses, keeping UChicago at the nexus of ideas that challenge and change the world.
Ratings and Reviews
Excellent! Everyone should take this course. I have a greater understanding of how our brain works and why we do things the way we do!
Enjoyed every minute. Can't wait to see what else Professor chooses to share.
It's nice to improve knowledge. Thank you! :)
Coursera provides universal access to the world’s best education, partnering with top universities and organizations to offer courses online.
© 2017 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
Pt
Peggy Mason is a gem of a teacher. Insightful course. Thanks to everybody involved.