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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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501 - 525 of 909 Reviews for Medical Neuroscience

By Leslie M

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Jun 13, 2016

It's crazy. This professor it's perfect for learn me "neuroscience".

Thanks for this course.

By Gyeyoon Y

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Aug 7, 2016

Love the course! Learned & learning a lot! One of the best professors at the coursera.org!

By Yelyzaveta R

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May 30, 2022

An excellent course for both physicians and medical students interested in neurosciences.

By rita a

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Jun 14, 2020

amazing journey in Medical Neuroscience with the inspiring and dedicated professor White.

By Linh H N

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Oct 20, 2019

This course provides me not only knowledge but also comprehensive vision to my specialty.

By Effat S M

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Mar 26, 2019

More than excellent course. Thanks Dr White. I am going to miss your tutorials very much.

By Alexa E

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Jul 8, 2017

Wonderful course. I learned so much and I like the way that Dr. White teaches the course.

By Ethan B

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Aug 1, 2022

Although it is challenging and will take some time, you will learn medical neuroscience!

By Carolina F V

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Nov 21, 2020

I loved it so much. I learned a lot. Thanks Prof. Dr. Leonard White and Duke University.

By Dr R V

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Feb 15, 2020

What a great great course. A very simple way to learn about escencials of neurosciencie.

By waramasa

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Jan 16, 2018

Wonderful experience. It's the one like re-installing a brain to yourself step by step.

By Angel M N

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May 17, 2024

Great professor. A lot of wonderful information expanded my neurobiological knowledge.

By Niko J

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Apr 11, 2021

Fascinating stuff! A lot of detail and material but it's a very rewarding experience:)

By jorge m

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Jan 5, 2021

estupendo la materia impartido. muy especifica y completa. felicitaciones por el curso

By Ismail D

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Oct 11, 2020

Just Great, thank you for making my quarantine such a blessing with all this knowledge

By Héctor A L F

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Aug 14, 2020

A great introduction to the basics of Neuroscience! It´s a lot of work, but I like it.

By Yingchen L

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Jul 5, 2020

It's quite difficult for beginner in this field, but definitely good content to learn.

By Marco M

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May 20, 2020

Really inspiring! Many thanks to Prof. White and his team for sharing their knowledge.

By James G

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Oct 2, 2016

Superb. Dr. White's presentation style is the best I have ever seen. He is engaging...

By Esperanza S S

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Jul 28, 2021

Excelente curso! Muy interesante, muy bien ensenado y sobre todo muy organizado todo.

By Jean D D

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Jun 11, 2017

Great instructor, and I love how he changes the environment he is in when he teaches.

By Johan W

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Aug 3, 2025

Absolutely brilliant. Thank you so much. This course made all the difference to me.

By Lurdes R M

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Jun 7, 2025

Un curso muy bien estructurado. El Dr. White es un gran pedagogo. Ha sido un placer

By Ahjahta M

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Jan 27, 2021

I love the notes, and the opportunity to retake quizzes! Thank you for this course!

By Krishnavenamma K

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Apr 13, 2018

wonderful teaching and loads of content and material which can be easily understand