Intro to Neuroscience
About this free Intro to Neuroscience course
Intro to Neuroscience is a free course about the brain and nervous system, from the cellular level to complex brain processes. It explains how neurons send electrical and chemical signals, how the brain is organized, how we sense the world, and how the brain changes throughout life.
The course starts with the foundations you need: prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, the roles of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, and the electrical principles of charge, voltage, and current. That way, students without an advanced science background can follow along. From there, it covers the nervous system, synaptic transmission, neurotransmitters and psychoactive drugs, the brain's lobes, hemispheric lateralization, and plasticity. Famous cases like Phineas Gage show how scientists discovered what each part of the brain does.
Who this course is for
This course is designed for high school students in grades 9 through 12 who are curious about the brain, psychology, or medicine. An introductory biology class is recommended but not required, because the first unit reviews the essentials.
Course outline
- Unit 1: Foundations of neurobiology. Cells, DNA and proteins, and the electrical principles of charge, voltage, and current.
- Unit 2: What is neurobiology? A brief history of neuroscience, why we study the brain, and the case of Phineas Gage.
- Unit 3: The nervous system. The central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems and the flow of information.
- Unit 4: The neuron. Neuron structure and function, neuronal signaling, synapses, and the reflex arc.
- Unit 5: Chemical messengers. Neurotransmitters, psychoactive drugs, and hormones.
- Unit 6: The brain. Major divisions, the lobes of the cerebral cortex, the limbic system, brainstem and cerebellum, lateralization, and plasticity.
- Unit 7: Processing sensory information. Taste, smell, vision, hearing, touch, proprioception, and balance.
- Unit 8: The changing brain. Neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, synaptic pruning, long-term potentiation, neurological disorders, and research frontiers.
What you'll learn
- Explain how neurons generate and transmit signals
- Describe the organization of the central and peripheral nervous systems
- Identify the major brain regions and their functions
- Explain how neurotransmitters and drugs affect the brain
- Describe how the brain processes the senses and changes with experience
How long it takes
Plan on about 15 hours, or just under two hours per unit. The brain and sensory processing units are the longest.
Frequently asked questions about Intro to Neuroscience
Is Intro to Neuroscience really free?
Yes. Intro to Neuroscience is completely free, with no fees, subscriptions, or account required. STEM for Others is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and every course in our curriculum library is free for students, families, and teachers.
How is neuroscience different from psychology?
Neuroscience studies the biology of the nervous system: neurons, brain structures, and chemicals. Psychology studies behavior and mental processes. The two overlap a lot, and AP Psychology is a great companion to this course.
How do I start the course?
Click Begin Course at the top of this page to open the full slide deck in a new tab. You can also flip through the slides embedded above. Work through one unit at a time and try the practice questions before moving on.
Do I get a certificate?
The self-paced Intro to Neuroscience materials don't include an official certificate. If you're taking the course through a STEM for Others chapter program, ask your chapter leader about recognizing your completion.
Can teachers and clubs use this curriculum?
Yes. Teachers, homeschool families, libraries, and after-school clubs are welcome to use the Intro to Neuroscience materials with their students at no cost. STEM for Others volunteers also teach our curriculum in partner schools and libraries. You can find a chapter near you or start one at your school.
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