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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Medical Neuroscience by Duke University

4.9
stars
3,054 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 16, 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!

RH

Aug 2, 2025

fantastically taught course. so well structured..thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and has motivated me to learn more in the field of neuroscience.Prof White is an excellent teacher.

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601 - 625 of 909 Reviews for Medical Neuroscience

By Pamela C

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Nov 1, 2022

Empeño y dedicación para cumplir cada actividad propuesta.

By ANGELOS A

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Feb 14, 2017

An excellent Course, a very inspiring and effective tutor!

By SAMUEL C

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Sep 7, 2025

Es una excelente formación, de muy alto valor académico .

By Omer C G

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Jan 25, 2022

It was great experience to know the pieces of mind thanks

By Paola C S N

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Jul 24, 2020

Gran curso! Lo recomiendo a los amantes de la neurología.

By Venus R A

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Sep 25, 2017

This method of teaching is just phenomenal :) Thank you.

By Juliana N

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Aug 11, 2016

É um curso muito exaustivo, porém muito bom. Vale a pena!

By Cynthia F W

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Oct 16, 2025

Fascinating and challenging course! Highly recommend it.

By Reynaldo B M

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Oct 2, 2025

excelente el entendimiento y manejo de las explicaciones

By Kevin P

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Jul 6, 2020

Great lectures and a fantastic tutor. Highly recommended

By Ajay K

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Jun 23, 2020

My first and the most precious experience with coursera.

By Isabella G

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Aug 28, 2017

One of the best courses I´ve enrolled in my entire life.

By Biniyam A

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Jun 21, 2017

I loved each and every bit of the lecture and the videos

By mohammed h

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Sep 10, 2016

best course I have ever attended both online or in class

By C B

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Jul 31, 2021

Excellent course and great lectures by Professor White.

By DIKSHA G

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Jul 3, 2020

Really interesting course designed in a very nice way.

By jkruger2000@yahoo.com

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Jan 10, 2025

Prof White is a very competent and dedicated academic.

By John A T L

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Sep 1, 2020

Very complete and useful course, excellent instructor.

By Mar A

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Apr 20, 2018

Excepcional! El profesor White es un gran profesional!

By Xinbo Z

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Apr 17, 2022

really nice and conprehensive! Dr.White is brilliant!

By LORDY A S

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Nov 17, 2020

Very informative, challenging, and brain stimulating.

By Tacyana B S

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Sep 10, 2020

Curso incrível, didático e oferece muito conhecimento

By KEERTHI R

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Jun 11, 2017

I love it!!!!!! it was an awesome experience....!!!!!

By Грабаровский А В

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May 27, 2021

Благодарю за отличный курс по медицинской неврологии

By kristi a e

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Feb 17, 2020

Excellent tutorial notes and extra content resources