Basics of Neuroscience

This lecture will introduce you to the different types of cells that are found in the nervous system and the function of each cell type.

In this lecture, you will understand how information is transmitted throughout the brain. You will learn about synaptic neurotransmission, neurotransmitters, and actions potentials.

The first sensory system that we cover is the somatosensory system. In this lecture, I explain the types of stimuli that are processed by the somatosensory system, such as touch, and how this information is transmitted to the brain.

After completing this lecture, you will know the different structures that are involved in the motor system and how movements are executed. You will also understand how reflexes work and the circuitry that makes them possible.

In this lecture, you will understand how the brain processes visual information. You will be able to describe how the retina is organized, the path of visual information into the brain, and how integration occurs to produce meaningful information about what we see.

This lecture introduces you to the auditory system and how we can process information about sounds that we hear. You will be able to describe the structures of the ear, explain how sound waves can be converted into neural signals, and describe the pathway of auditory information in the nervous system.

In this lecture, you will understand the processes involved in the sense of smell and you will be able to describe the pathway of olfactory information to the brain, in addition to the regions involved in processing this information.

In this lecture, you will understand how the brain perceives the different categories of taste and you will be able to describe the pathway of gustatory information to the brain, in addition to the regions involved in processing this information.

After this lecture, you will be able to describe the events that occur during embryonic development to form the nervous system and how these structures are organized. You will also be able to define and explain the different processes that occur in early postnatal life to form the mature brain.

In this lecture, you will get an introduction to research articles and the scientific method.

After this lecture, you should be able to define and explain different research techniques in neuroscience.