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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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626 - 650 of 909 Reviews for Medical Neuroscience

By muhammed a

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Sep 10, 2025

One of the most amazing lectures I have had so far!

By Daniel S M M

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Aug 29, 2020

An excellent course, complete, and a great teacher.

By Stephanie

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May 24, 2020

坚持了14周的学习，感谢老师和coursera给我的机会，收获很多，希望未来我能继续坚持，加油加油加油

By Djana R

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Jun 24, 2018

The best course in Neuroscience!Strong recommended!

By Frank P

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Jan 18, 2021

Tough, but worth it if you are trying to learn it!

By Phi

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Jun 13, 2020

Excelente, muy completo y Comprensible. Gracias...

By Nicolás G G

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Jun 2, 2021

Un Excelente Curso un Docente muy Capaz Dr Withe

By Chris C

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Aug 20, 2017

Very well laid out and taught clearly by Dr White

By Domonique P

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Oct 15, 2023

amazing teacher. I really appreciate this course

By Tak L W

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Oct 15, 2025

It is very useful for my project, thanks a lot!

By paola a c

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Sep 4, 2020

excelente curso, me encanto y aprendí demasiado

By JORGE U L

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Aug 11, 2023

Lejos el mejor curso que he tomado en mi vida!

By Mohsen K

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Jul 31, 2022

Great course, great mentor, vibrant community.

By Adam M

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Oct 11, 2017

Comprehensive, Challenging, Excellent lecture.

By Bárbara V F L

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Feb 4, 2021

Excelente curso, un gran reto de aprendizaje!

By Sana F

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May 13, 2020

best course I ever completed, thank you prof.

By Grethe O N

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Feb 14, 2017

Made me pass my neuroscience exam, THANK YOU!

By Alba

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Oct 9, 2016

Excelente método para aprender rápido y fácil

By Leticia M B

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Mar 24, 2024

Eu amei fazer esse curso, estou muito feliz!

By N M

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May 15, 2022

A great start for my journey on neuroscience

By Larissa R

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Jun 14, 2020

Incrível, agregou muito ao meu conhecimento!

By Исмаилов З Б

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Mar 1, 2019

I am so excited for this corse. Vary thanks!

By Ulrick S K

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Aug 31, 2018

A very demanding and a very rewarding course

By James D

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Sep 7, 2017

Very Good, I could have used more time. Than

By Franz P

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Sep 7, 2016

Amazing course. Thank you very much Leonard.