Course Description

Embark on a journey into the fascinating world of neuroscience with this comprehensive MicroBachelors® program offered by HarvardX. This proctored final exam serves as the culmination of three essential courses, designed to assess your mastery of the Fundamentals of Neuroscience. As you delve into the intricacies of the human brain and nervous system, you'll explore electrical properties of neurons, neural networks, and brain functions, gaining a solid foundation in this cutting-edge field of biology and life sciences.

What students will learn from the course

This introductory-level course provides students with a thorough understanding of neuroscience fundamentals. Through the proctored final exam, you'll demonstrate your knowledge of:

• Electrical properties of neurons and their role in neural communication
• The intricate workings of neural networks and their impact on brain function
• Brain structure and cognitive functions
• The application of neuroscience principles to real-world scenarios

By successfully completing this assessment, you'll earn a prestigious MicroBachelors® credential, validating your expertise in neuroscience fundamentals and opening doors to further academic and professional opportunities.

Pre-requisites or skills necessary to complete the course

To take this proctored final exam, students must have completed the following three prerequisite courses:

1. MCB80.1x: Electrical Properties of the Neuron
2. MCB80.2x: Neurons and Networks
3. MCB80.3x: The Brain

These courses provide the necessary foundation for success in the final assessment.

What the course will cover

The proctored final exam will assess your knowledge of:

• Electrical properties and functions of neurons
• Neural network formation and communication
• Brain structure and organization
• Cognitive functions and brain processes
• Application of neuroscience principles to real-world scenarios
• Integration of concepts from all three prerequisite courses

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for:

• Students pursuing a career in neuroscience, biology, or related fields
• Healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of brain function
• Individuals interested in cognitive science and brain-behavior relationships
• Lifelong learners passionate about understanding the complexities of the human brain
• Anyone looking to earn a MicroBachelors® credential in neuroscience fundamentals

How learners can use these skills in the real world

The knowledge and skills gained from this neuroscience program have numerous real-world applications:

1. Healthcare: Understanding brain function can improve patient care and treatment strategies
2. Education: Apply neuroscience principles to enhance learning and teaching methodologies
3. Technology: Contribute to the development of brain-computer interfaces and AI systems
4. Research: Pursue advanced studies or careers in neuroscience and related fields
5. Personal development: Gain insights into human behavior and cognitive processes

Syllabus

While a specific syllabus for the final exam is not provided, the assessment will cover material from the three prerequisite courses:

1. MCB80.1x: Electrical Properties of the Neuron
   • Neural membrane potential
   • Action potentials
   • Synaptic transmission
2. MCB80.2x: Neurons and Networks
   • Neural circuit formation
   • Sensory processing
   • Motor control
3. MCB80.3x: The Brain
   • Brain structure and organization
   • Cognitive functions
   • Neuroplasticity and learning

By mastering these topics and successfully completing the proctored final exam, you'll demonstrate your proficiency in neuroscience fundamentals and earn a valuable MicroBachelors® credential from HarvardX.