Free Course Image The Human Brain

Free online courseThe Human Brain

Duration of the online course: 20 hours and 9 minutes

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Explore the intricacies of the human brain with MIT's free online course. Delve into neuroanatomy, cognitive neuroscience methods, brain networks, language, and more. Ideal for psychology enthusiasts.

In this free course, learn about

  • Foundations of Human Brain and Neuroanatomy
  • Cognitive Neuroscience Methods and Category Selectivity
  • Navigation and Spatial Cognition
  • Development and Nature of Visual Cognition
  • Number, Hearing, and Music
  • Language, Social Cognition, and Brain Networks
  • Attention and Awareness

Course Description

Embark on a fascinating journey through the complexities and mysteries of the human brain with the acclaimed course, "The Human Brain." Spanning a duration of 20 hours and 9 minutes, this immersive course delves deep into the realms of neuroscience, unwrapping the intricacies of one of the most sophisticated organs in the human body.

As you step into the realm of psychology with this health-related offering, you'll be introduced to a multitude of subjects designed to unravel the secrets behind brain function, cognition, and development. The course begins with a thorough introduction to the human brain, setting the stage for an elaborate exploration of its structure and functionalities.

You’ll then navigate through the detailed landscapes of neuroanatomy, providing a foundation to understand the brain’s countless components and their interplay. With a solid grasp on the physicalities, the course transitions into cognitive neuroscience methods, where you will explore both traditional and cutting-edge techniques used to study the brain's workings.

The course brings forth complex yet intriguing topics such as category selectivity and multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA), offering insights into how the brain differentiates and processes diverse categories of information. Following this, the course delves into the fascinating cognitive maps and brain mechanisms that govern navigation.

A significant portion of the course is dedicated to understanding the brain's development, emphasizing the intricate balance between genetic predispositions and environmental influences. You’ll grasp how these factors collectively shape the brain's architecture and functionalities from infancy to adulthood.

The exploration continues with a focus on the brain's ability to comprehend numbers, hearing and speech processes, and the profound effects of music on neural activities. Intriguingly, language is dissected to uncover the intricate networks that allow for communication, enriching your comprehension of this quintessentially human characteristic.

Cognitive processes such as Theory of Mind are examined to understand how we perceive and anticipate others' thoughts and emotions. The course also dives into the interconnectedness of brain networks, elucidating their roles in shaping our conscious experiences and behaviors.

Towards the latter part of the course, you'll be introduced to the intriguing mechanisms of attention and awareness, key components that influence our daily lives and interactions. Each section is meticulously designed to build upon previous knowledge, ensuring a cohesive learning journey.

"The Human Brain" extends an invaluable opportunity to anyone keen on understanding the scientific underpinnings of cognition, behavior, and neurological processes. As you progress through its diverse topics, you will emerge with a comprehensive understanding of the human brain, equipped with the knowledge to appreciate its profound capacities and endless possibilities.

Course content

  • Video class: 1. Introduction to the Human Brain 1h19m
  • Exercise: What are the main factors that differentiate human brains from those of other species?
  • Video class: 2. Neuroanatomy 50m
  • Exercise: What criteria are typically used to define a distinct cortical area in the brain?
  • Video class: 4. Cognitive Neuroscience Methods I 1h00m
  • Exercise: Which brain region is more active when recognizing faces compared to objects?
  • Video class: 5. Cognitive Neuroscience Methods II 1h11m
  • Exercise: Which piece of evidence supports the idea that the fusiform face area (FFA) is specifically and causally involved in face perception?
  • Video class: 6. Introduction to the Human Brain 56m
  • Exercise: What is the main purpose of using a minimal pair in an experimental design for an fMRI study?
  • Video class: 7. Category Selectivity, Controversies, and MVPA 1h09m
  • Exercise: What technique allows researchers to infer what information is contained within a particular region or across several brain voxels by examining the pattern of brain activity?
  • Video class: 8. Navigation I 1h23m
  • Exercise: What is the main functional difference between the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) and the occipital place area (OPA, also known as TOS) in terms of scene perception and navigation?
  • Video class: 9. Navigation II 1h11m
  • Exercise: Which part of the human brain is most implicated in navigation and spatial memory?
  • Video class: 10. Development, Nature 1h21m
  • Exercise: What is perceptual narrowing in the context of face perception, and at what age does it typically occur in human infants?
  • Video class: 11. Development, Nature 1h17m
  • Exercise: Is the visual category selectivity in the ventral visual cortex dependent on visual experience?
  • Video class: 13. Number 1h10m
  • Exercise: What type of cognitive function do number-related tasks in experiments generally relate to in both humans and animals?
  • Video class: 15. Hearing and Speech 1h18m
  • Exercise: Based on the current understanding of human auditory cortex responses, how might one test the hypothesis that the brain processes speech distinctly from other sounds?
  • Video class: 16. Music 1h12m
  • Exercise: When considering the human brain's response to auditory stimuli, which area is NOT specifically responsive to music?
  • Video class: 18. Language I 1h08m
  • Exercise: Based on the content discussed regarding human cognition and language, which of the following is true?
  • Video class: 20. Theory of Mind 1h16m
  • Exercise: Which of the following brain regions has been shown to contain information about the distinction between accidental and intentional harm in neurotypical individuals, but not in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
  • Video class: 21. Brain Networks 1h23m
  • Exercise: Which brain networks are revealed to be highly correlated through resting-state functional correlation analysis?
  • Video class: 24. Attention and Awareness 56m
  • Exercise: Based on what you learned about the 'attentional blink', which of these best describes the phenomenon?

This free course includes:

20 hours and 9 minutes of online video course

Digital certificate of course completion (Free)

Exercises to train your knowledge

100% free, from content to certificate

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Course comments: The Human Brain

Jesus Llanera Bitantes

Thank you for this Course lesson.

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