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About this Course

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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.

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Learner Career Outcomes

Career direction

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Shareable Certificate

Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Advanced Level
Advanced Level

Hours to complete
Approx. 71 hours to complete

Available languages

English
Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Chinese (Simplified), Italian, Vietnamese, Korean, German, Russian, Turkish, English, Spanish

Movement and Motor Control: Modulation of Movement

Next, we will consider two major brain systems that modulate the output of upper motor neuronal circuits: the basal ganglia and the cerebellum. Take note: the output of these systems is NOT directed at lower motor circuits directly; rather, their output engages the motor thalamus and brainstem upper motor neuronal circuits. Thus, the actions of the basal ganglia and cerebellum are to modulate, rather than command, the activities of upper motor neurons. As you study the lessons in this module, appreciate how the basal ganglia and cerebellum function in a somewhat complementary fashion to modulate the initiation and coordination of movement, respectively.

Hours to complete
4 hours to complete

Reading
11 videos (Total 154 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

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Sensory Systems: Audition, Vestibular Sensation and the Chemical Senses

Our survey of the sensory systems continues as we now turn our attention to the auditory system, the vestibular system, and the chemical sensory systems. As you study this content, notice the similarities and the differences that pertain to the general mechanisms of sensory transduction and the broad organization of the central pathways in each of these sensory systems. In particular, note the similarity in transduction mechanisms for audition and vestibular sensation; and note the “logic” of sensory coding in the chemical sensory systems.

Hours to complete
7 hours to complete

Reading
22 videos (Total 272 min), 3 readings, 3 quizzes

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Neuroanatomy: Surface Anatomy of the Human CNS

We now begin in earnest our lessons on neuroanatomy with the surface of the human brain, including a brief run through the cranial nerves and the blood supply to the CNS. In this module, you will learn the basic subdivisions of the vertebrate nervous system; however, your focus should be on the cerebral cortex. Along the way, you will be challenged to «build a digital brain» that should help you generate and improve your mental “model” of the cerebral hemispheres of the human brain. Another great way to refine your mental model is through sketching and crafting, so please do the learning objectives that are designed to help you make visible (and tangible) your understanding of the cerebral hemispheres.

Hours to complete
4 hours to complete

Reading
12 videos (Total 129 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

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About this Course

32,344 recent views

This course introduces the key principles and goals of modern neurolinguistics. Neurolinguistics is a science that incorporates methods and paradigms of linguistics and neuroscience.

This course discusses the main units and organizational principles of the human nervous system that underlie our language capacity. You will learn about the neurophysiological aspects of first and second language learning, discover clinical research in speech, reading and writing disorders, and also find out about speech disorders accompanying various psychiatric conditions. The course includes information on the history of neurolinguistics, modern techniques and methods of neurolinguistic research, and also provides detailed examples of several recent studies in the field.

The outline of the course
Module 1 introduces you to the main ideas and history of neurolinguistics. In this module you will learn how the human brain is organized and which cortical areas provide the basis for our language capacity. It also touches upon neuroevolution and the differences between the human brain and the brains of other mammals.
In Module 2 you will learn about modern methods and techniques of neurolinguistic research, such as EEG, MEG, intracranial EEG, evoked and induced potentials.
Module 3 continues the discussion of neurolinguistic research methods, introducing you to the fMRI method. It also provides examples of three recent neurolinguistic studies, detailing every stage: how the experiments were planned and conducted, and how the data was analysed.
Module 4 discusses how children learn their first and second languages. It also touches upon the differences in the ways monolinguals and bilinguals process linguistic information.
Modules 5 and 6 deal with clinical research in neurolinguistics. In Module 5 you will learn about aphasia. We will discuss the underlying causes of this disorder, its main types and different approaches to their classification and assessment. You will also learn about linguistic models based on aphasia data.
Module 6 continues the topic of clinical research in neurolinguistics. In this module you will learn about auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia, their causes and treatment. This module also discusses brain asymmetry with regards to language and dichotic listening as a means of studying brain asymmetry.
Module 7 is devoted to dyslexia and its comorbidities. This module will introduce you to four different approaches to dyslexia. You will also learn what longitudinal studies can tell us about dyslexia.

Shareable Certificate

Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Hours to complete
Approx. 20 hours to complete

Available languages

English
Subtitles: French, Portuguese (European), Russian, English, Spanish

Frequently Asked Questions about Keras

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  What is Keras and why is it important to learn about?

  Keras is an API for machine learning applications written in Python and built on top of the open-source TensorFlow platform. It provides an efficient and easy-to-use interface for TensorFlow, which has become one of the most popular software platforms for machine learning due to its flexibility and a comprehensive ecosystem of tools and resources; for instance, the TensorFlow.js library allows you to build machine learning applications to run in web browsers on JavaScript. By allowing researchers and developers to go from their ideas to results as quickly as possible while still harnessing the power of TensorFlow, Keras is an important tool for enabling fast experimentation for machine learning applications.

  In addition to providing an approachable interface for TensorFlow, developing applications in Keras offers a number of other advantages. It allows for computation to be scaled to use many devices, harnessing potentially tens of thousands of CPUs and GPUs for advanced applications. It can also export programs to external runtimes such as servers, web browsers, or mobile and embedded devices. This flexibility and power, in addition to ease of use, has made Keras an essential tool for simple machine learning tasks as well as high-level deep learning tasks such as creating artificial neural networks.

• Chevron Right

  TensorFlow and Keras are essential, industry-standard tools for developing machine learning, deep learning, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. These cutting-edge skills are in high demand from technology companies seeking to harness user data to provide new or improved services, as well as companies building next-generation products in the automotive industry, medicine, robotics, and other areas. This high demand translates into high pay; in addition to experiencing the excitement of working on the forefront of technology, AI engineers receive an average annual salary of $114,121 according to Glassdoor.

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  Can I learn how to use Keras by taking online courses on Coursera?

  Yes! In fact, Coursera lets you learn about Keras, TensorFlow, and other topics in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) in several different ways. You can take courses from top-ranked schools like Imperial College London, or from industry leaders like IBM and deeplearning.ai. Additionally, you can build skills in Keras by completing guided tutorials side-by-side experienced instructors with the Coursera Project Network, providing a more hands-on way to learn. Regardless of what best suits your needs, Coursera lets you learn remotely on a flexible schedule, allowing you to fit this valuable education into your existing studies, work, or family life.

Frequently Asked Questions about Neural Networks

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  What are neural networks, and why are they important to learn about?

  Neural networks, also known as neural nets or artificial neural networks (ANN), are machine learning algorithms organized in networks that mimic the functioning of neurons in the human brain. Using this biological neuron model, these systems are capable of unsupervised learning from massive datasets.

  This is an important enabler for artificial intelligence (AI) applications, which are used across a growing range of tasks including image recognition, natural language processing (NLP), and medical diagnosis. The related field of deep learning also relies on neural networks, typically using a convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture that connects multiple layers of neural networks in order to enable more sophisticated applications.

  For example, using deep learning, a facial recognition system can be created without specifying features such as eye and hair color; instead, the program can simply be fed thousands of images of faces and it will learn what to look for to identify different individuals over time, in much the same way that humans learn. Regardless of the end-use application, neural networks are typically created in TensorFlow and/or with Python programming skills.

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  What kinds of careers can I have with a background in neural networks?

  Neural networks are a fundamental concept to understand for jobs in artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning. And, as the number of industries seeking to leverage these approaches continues to grow, so do career opportunities for professionals with expertise in neural networks. For instance, these skills could lead to jobs in healthcare creating tools to automate X-ray scans or assist in drug discovery, or a job in the automotive industry developing autonomous vehicles.

  Professionals dedicating their careers to cutting-edge work in neural networks typically pursue a master’s degree or even a doctorate in computer science. This high-level expertise in neural networks and artificial intelligence are in high demand; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer research scientists earn a median annual salary of $122,840 per year, and these jobs are projected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.

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  Can I learn about neural networks by taking online courses in Coursera?

  Absolutely — in fact, Coursera is one of the best places to learn about neural networks, online or otherwise. You can take courses and Specializations spanning multiple courses in topics like neural networks, artificial intelligence, and deep learning from pioneers in the field — including deeplearning.ai and Stanford University. Coursera has also partnered with industry leaders such as IBM, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services to offer courses that can lead to professional certificates in applied AI and other areas. You can even learn about neural networks with hands-on Guided Projects, a way to learn on Coursera by completing step-by-step tutorials led by experienced instructors.

The Changing Brain: The Brain Across the Lifespan

This module represents another turning point in Medical Neuroscience. Now that we have surveyed human neuroanatomy and our sensory and motor systems, we are ready to take a step back and consider how this magnificent central nervous system came to be the way that it is. We will also learn how the brain re-wires itself across the lifespan as genetic specification, experience-dependent plasticity and self-organization continue to interact, re-shaping the structure and function of neural circuits throughout the central nervous system.

Hours to complete
7 hours to complete

Reading
23 videos (Total 295 min), 3 readings, 3 quizzes

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Neural Signaling: Electrical Excitability and Signal Propagation

We now turn our attention from the tangible (human neuroanatomy) to the physiological as we explore the means by which neurons generate, propagate and communicate electrical signals. After exploring those structures in the human brain that are visible to the unaided eye, we must now sharpen our focus and zoom-in, as it were, to the unitary level of organization and function in the central nervous system: to the level of individual neurons and their component parts that are crucial for neural signaling.

Hours to complete
4 hours to complete

Reading
9 videos (Total 142 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

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Getting Started in Medical Neuroscience

<p>Let’s get started in Medical Neuroscience! Each module in Medical Neuroscience will begin with a brief description like this that provides you with an overview of the module. In this first module, you will get to know something about Prof. White and his career in neuroscience; you will understand the scope of Medical Neuroscience, its learning resources, your responsibilities for maximizing your benefit in this course, and you will learn Prof. White’s tips on how best to study and learn.</p><p> At the end of this module, please take the ungraded preliminary quiz, «Are you ready for Medical Neuroscience», to self-assess your background knowledge. Your score on this quiz will not count toward your overall score in this course. However, you should be able to pass this quiz (score 70% or better) if you are ready for the academic challenge of this course. Students who are likely to achieve their goals in Medical Neuroscience should be able to successfully answer nearly all of the quiz questions on their first attempt and feel comfortable with assessment questions at this level of knowledge.</p>

Hours to complete
2 hours to complete

Reading
5 videos (Total 75 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

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Sensory Systems: The Visual System

This module will provide lessons that are designed to help you understand the basic mechanisms by which light is transduced into electrical signals that are then used to construct visual perceptions in the brain. Your studies of the visual system will benefit you at this point in the course, but also in later studies when we use the visual system as a model for understanding general principles of developmental plasticity. Lastly, it is worth noting how much of the forebrain contains elements of the visual pathways. Thus, injuries and disease in widespread regions of the brain may have a clinically important impact on visual function. All the more reason to learn these lessons well as you progress in Medical Neuroscience.

Hours to complete
4 hours to complete

Reading
12 videos (Total 161 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

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About this Course

56,197 recent views

Have you ever heard about such technologies as HDFS, MapReduce, Spark? Always wanted to learn these new tools but missed concise starting material? Don’t miss this course either!

In this 6-week course you will:
— learn some basic technologies of the modern Big Data landscape, namely: HDFS, MapReduce and Spark;
— be guided both through systems internals and their applications;
— learn about distributed file systems, why they exist and what function they serve;
— grasp the MapReduce framework, a workhorse for many modern Big Data applications;
— apply the framework to process texts and solve sample business cases;
— learn about Spark, the next-generation computational framework;
— build a strong understanding of Spark basic concepts;
— develop skills to apply these tools to creating solutions in finance, social networks, telecommunications and many other fields.

Your learning experience will be as close to real life as possible with the chance to evaluate your practical assignments on a real cluster. No mocking, a friendly considerate atmosphere to make the process of your learning smooth and enjoyable.

Get ready to work with real datasets alongside with real masters!

Special thanks to:
— Prof. Mikhail Roytberg, APT dept., MIPT, who was the initial reviewer of the project, the supervisor and mentor of half of the BigData team. He was the one, who helped to get this show on the road.
— Oleg Sukhoroslov (PhD, Senior Researcher at IITP RAS), who has been teaching MapReduce, Hadoop and friends since 2008. Now he is leading the infrastructure team.
— Oleg Ivchenko (PhD student APT dept., MIPT), Pavel Akhtyamov (MSc. student at APT dept., MIPT) and Vladimir Kuznetsov (Assistant at P.G. Demidov Yaroslavl State University), superbrains who have developed and now maintain the infrastructure used for practical assignments in this course.
— Asya Roitberg, Eugene Baulin, Marina Sudarikova. These people never sleep to babysit this course day and night, to make your learning experience productive, smooth and exciting.

User

Learner Career Outcomes

Career direction

got a pay increase or promotion

Shareable Certificate

Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Intermediate Level
Intermediate Level

Hours to complete
Approx. 43 hours to complete

Available languages

English
Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Chinese (Simplified), Italian, Vietnamese, Korean, German, Russian, Turkish, English, Spanish

Complex Brain Functions: Associational Cortex

It may surprise you to know that in all of our studies of the neural systems for sensation and action, we have yet to properly account for the organization and function of roughly 75% of the entire cerebral mantle. Thus, only 25% of the cerebral cortex is accounted for by the modal sensory and motor cortical areas. The majority of the human cerebral cortex is multi-modal cortex that associates signals derived from one or more modal systems. We now turn our attention to this “associational cortex” as we consider more complex aspects of brain function.

Hours to complete
4 hours to complete

Reading
11 videos (Total 169 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

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