Learn the Fundamentals of Neuroscience with this edX Course

Gurashsheesh Singh

30 December 2022

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Course Overview

The Fundamentals of Neuroscience by edX is a 3-part series that is based on the introductory neurobiology courses taught at Harvard College. It explores the structure and function of the entire nervous system — from the microscopic inner workings of a single nerve cell to the staggering complexity of the brain.

This curriculum covers the fundamentals of Neuroscience, which includes the electrical properties of individual neurons, examination of how neurons pass signals to one another, and how complex dynamics result from just a few neurons. Further, you will explore sensation, perception, and the physiology of functional regions of the brain through fun animations, documentaries, and interactive virtual labs.

From the act of us writing this, to you reading and comprehending it–the entire process is dependent on the nervous system. It accomplishes this feat of consciousness enlisting ions of commonplace chemicals such as Sodium and Potassium. Thus, if you want to know how intelligence and thought works, then this course is recommended for you. It is also pivotal for understanding the biological basis of psychology, or even biopsychology for that matter.

"This course is also pivotal for understanding the biological basis of psychology, or even biopsychology for that matter."

- Gurashsheesh Singh

Course Structure

This online certification program is a beginner-level course. It is offered in self-paced mode keeping in mind working professionals. It requires an effort of usually 5 hours per week to fall in line with the curriculum pace. Some of the critical areas you cover in this curriculum include Healthcare, Biotechnology, Biology, Biopharmaceuticals, Geoscience, etc.

You’ll study the electrical properties of individual neurons, examine how neurons pass signals to one another, and how complex dynamics result from just a few neurons. You’ll explore sensation, perception, and the physiology of functional regions of the brain through fun animations, documentaries, and interactive virtual labs.

David Cox, the instructor for this capsule, is an Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Computer Science and a member of the Center for Brain Science at Harvard University. His laboratory seeks to understand the computational underpinnings of visual processing through concerted efforts in both reverse and forward engineering.

Technically, the course is spread over 3 prime modules formulated:

Module 1: Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 1: The Electrical Properties of the Neuron
Module 2: Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2: Neurons and Networks
Module 3: Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 3: The Brain

Insider Tips

In order to get the best out of this course, I have included some important tips below that I think you might find useful:

Be Sincere with the Process

Overtime, the course builds up in the order of complexity and chronology. You will have to think of the bigger picture, how do all these small systems of neurons work together to create a fully functioning organism whom you know as a friend or a family member?

Resist the urge to skim over sections that include jargon from the fundamental sciences which you might not have come across before. Instead, engage with this new vocabulary to expand your understanding of the underlying concepts.

Prerequisites and References

If you do not have a background in biology, or have a limited background in the natural sciences in general, it is not a deal breaker. Anything above 9th grade science and some initiative would be enough to tackle the course successfully–although the time taken may vary. If you lack some of the prerequisite knowledge, consider taking the following courses:

Make Flash Cards or Short Notes

Create a rich bank of all the new scientific vocabulary you learn. For example, if the term ion is new to you, define what an ion is in your own words–same would go for the new phenomena that you learn such as neuronal plasticity. These cards can be effective tools in leveraging the said phenomena of neuronal plasticity and enhance learning.

Take the Tests Seriously

Resist the urge to look up any answers for the quizzes, the tests are designed to ensure that you have learnt everything you need to know before you move on to the next segment. The faculty are also very forgiving when it comes to mistakes, so take these tests to enhance your understanding and your retention of the material.

Engage with Auxiliary Material

As you go through the material, you will find yourself equipped with the knowledge to observe neuroscientific phenomena in all things. Observe the concepts you learn in everyday life, think critically about the reports of research in the media, in journals, and other books as you progress through the course.

Draw and Illustrate

It is proven through extensive neuroscientific research that visualization improves both comprehension and retention. Any seasoned biologist or medical scientist would tell you that drawing illustrations of phenomena and morphologies are central to the learning process. Draw from memory on a piece of paper or draw digitally.

Do not forget to label everything as thoroughly as possible. Then check where you missed something and edit the drawing until it is correct. Extend the same logic to all chemical processes as well, draw out the functions of things like the Sodium-Potassium Pump, and it will help you in the long run.

Final Take

I am the Founder of Xcanun. I found this capsule to be well-curated and engaging. It has helped me fine-tune existing technical exhibitionism. Some critical areas I developed an interest in after doing this curriculum include Healthcare, Biotechnology, Biology, Biopharmaceuticals, Geoscience, etc.

Neuroscience, much like other disciplines of biology, is aimed at understanding how we and other living things function. The ‘Neuroscience at Home and in the Life Around You’ segment that Professor Cox teaches highlights how commonplace neuroscience can be.

From the most basic units of the ions and the cells to the complexity of the entire brain–you are in for understanding how all intelligent life functions. So don’t worry if it feels like a lot, take it at your own pace and most importantly, approach the process positively. You are in for a treat!

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