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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Medical Neuroscience by Duke University

4.9
stars
3,027 ratings

About the Course

Medical Neuroscience explores the functional organization and neurophysiology of the human central nervous system, while providing a neurobiological framework for understanding human behavior. In this course, you will discover the organization of the neural systems in the brain and spinal cord that mediate sensation, motivate bodily action, and integrate sensorimotor signals with memory, emotion and related faculties of cognition. The overall goal of this course is to provide the foundation for understanding the impairments of sensation, action and cognition that accompany injury, disease or dysfunction in the central nervous system. The course will build upon knowledge acquired through prior studies of cell and molecular biology, general physiology and human anatomy, as we focus primarily on the central nervous system. This online course is designed to include all of the core concepts in neurophysiology and clinical neuroanatomy that would be presented in most first-year neuroscience courses in schools of medicine. However, there are some topics (e.g., biological psychiatry) and several learning experiences (e.g., hands-on brain dissection) that we provide in the corresponding course offered in the Duke University School of Medicine on campus that we are not attempting to reproduce in Medical Neuroscience online. Nevertheless, our aim is to faithfully present in scope and rigor a medical school caliber course experience. This course comprises six units of content organized into 12 weeks, with an additional week for a comprehensive final exam: - Unit 1 Neuroanatomy (weeks 1-2). This unit covers the surface anatomy of the human brain, its internal structure, and the overall organization of sensory and motor systems in the brainstem and spinal cord. - Unit 2 Neural signaling (weeks 3-4). This unit addresses the fundamental mechanisms of neuronal excitability, signal generation and propagation, synaptic transmission, post synaptic mechanisms of signal integration, and neural plasticity. - Unit 3 Sensory systems (weeks 5-7). Here, you will learn the overall organization and function of the sensory systems that contribute to our sense of self relative to the world around us: somatic sensory systems, proprioception, vision, audition, and balance senses. - Unit 4 Motor systems (weeks 8-9). In this unit, we will examine the organization and function of the brain and spinal mechanisms that govern bodily movement. - Unit 5 Brain Development (week 10). Next, we turn our attention to the neurobiological mechanisms for building the nervous system in embryonic development and in early postnatal life; we will also consider how the brain changes across the lifespan. - Unit 6 Cognition (weeks 11-12). The course concludes with a survey of the association systems of the cerebral hemispheres, with an emphasis on cortical networks that integrate perception, memory and emotion in organizing behavior and planning for the future; we will also consider brain systems for maintaining homeostasis and regulating brain state....

Top reviews

SA

Nov 17, 2017

I found this course extremely useful. It was exactly what I needed and expected. A structured study of the brain and the spinal chord starting at the cellular level. A perfect course!

IR

Mar 27, 2019

I used this as preparation material for a module/test for my graduate degree and i found the videos to be clearer, more complete, and helpful than my actual courses. That is quite impressive.

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651 - 675 of 898 Reviews for Medical Neuroscience

By Ryan M

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Jun 12, 2020

Loved this course. Dr. White is phenomenal!

By Jander T d O

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Jul 29, 2018

The best online Medical Neuroscience course

By Thomas R

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Aug 2, 2025

A very interesting and fascinating course!

By Serafim M D N P

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Jul 9, 2025

Muito bom curso. Obrigado. Atenciosamente.

By Lea H

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Feb 21, 2021

exceptional course - thanks Doctor White!!

By JON A C A

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Mar 23, 2022

It is a perfect course to study all brain

By Celine K

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Apr 19, 2019

Passionnant et absolument bien expliqué !

By Anna M T

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Apr 19, 2017

Short, informative lectures. Well taught!

By Ciência n V

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Jan 19, 2022

The best neuroanatomy class in the world

By Chris S

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Mar 17, 2021

Great course. My Education needs changed

By DR R S

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Dec 18, 2019

Wonderful course, thoroughly enjoyed it.

By Hani M A

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Apr 16, 2018

Very important course for professionals.

By Rich B

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Jan 16, 2018

Excellent, in-depth neuroscience course.

By Jaime R

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Nov 29, 2017

A tour of the brain. Should be mandatory

By Daniel P

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Sep 18, 2016

De lo mejor que puede haber en coursera.

By Fergal K

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Aug 28, 2025

Excellent content and enjoyable course.

By Kristina Y

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Oct 12, 2019

Very difficult, but highly interesting)

By Doug R

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May 16, 2018

Wonderful instructor and course content

By Adele C

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Sep 9, 2016

Incredible course! Thank you Dr. White!

By Christina A

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Apr 29, 2024

Thoroughly enjoyed taking this course!

By Jesus A A F

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May 26, 2022

Hard course averall, but it worths it.

By PAULA N Z S

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Oct 30, 2020

Excelente, me hizo amar más el cerebro

By Bello S

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May 1, 2019

excellent introduction to Neuroscience

By Анастасія К

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Mar 12, 2024

Thanks for this wounderful oportunity

By Patrick C

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Sep 9, 2023

Good course to learn about the brain!