Medical Neuroscience Course Reviews

4.9/5 - 2,586 votes

Co-authored by Leonard E. White

Starts: 04/27/2023

309,380 already enrolled

The course is designed to help learners understand the neurological basis of various diseases and disorders, including Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy.

The course covers topics such as neural development, the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, synaptic transmission, sensory and motor systems, and neural plasticity. Learners will also explore the effects of drugs on the nervous system and the relationship between the brain and behavior.

The course is structured into 13 weeks, each containing several video lectures, readings, and quizzes. Learners will also have the opportunity to participate in peer-reviewed assignments and discussions with their classmates.

By the end of the course, learners will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the human nervous system and its relationship to various medical conditions. They will also be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to critically evaluate current research in the field of neuroscience.

Course Content:

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.

The Medical Neuroscience course on Coursera, authored by Leonard E. White, consists of 13 weeks, each of which includes multiple video lectures, readings, and quizzes. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the course content:

Week 1:

Getting Started in Medical Neuroscience

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.

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

5 videos

Professor White's Career in Neuroscience 13m

The Scope of Medical Neuroscience 11m

Learning resources for Medical Neuroscience 32m

Your Part! 13m

"Neur-run" with Professor White 3m

2 readings

Learning Objectives 10m

Your Mentor Team 10m

1 practice exercise

Preliminary Quiz: Are you ready for Medical Neuroscience? 30m

Neuroanatomy: Introducing the Human Brain

4 videos (Total 79 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

4 videos

Professor White's Favorite Places in the Human Brain 19m

Functional Microanatomy of Neurons 31m

Non-Neural Cells of the CNS 20m

Basic Orientation in the Human CNS 7m

1 reading

Introduction, Learning Objectives and Recommended Reading 10m

1 practice exercise

Cells of the CNS and Basic Orientation 30m

Week 2:

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.

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

12 videos

Lateral Surface of the Brain 6m

Medial Surface of the Brain 5m

Finding the Central Sulcus6mVentral Surface of the Brain 8m

Building a Digital Brain (Fingers to Gyri) 11m

Surface Anatomy of the Brainstem4mBlood Supply to the Brain 15m

Overview of the Cranial Nerves 19m

Overview of the Spinal Nerves 8m

Localizing the Cranial Nerves 13m

Cranial Nerve Function, part1 16m

Cranial Nerve Function, part2 11m

2 readings

Learning Objectives / Recommended Readings 10m

2 practice exercises

Cerebral Cortex, Brainstem, and Blood Supply 30m

Cranial and Spinal Nerves 30m

Neuroanatomy: Internal Anatomy of the Human CNS

12 videos (Total 160 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

12 videos

Internal Anatomy of the Brainstem 24m

Cranial Nerve Nuclei, part1 12m

Cranial Nerve Nuclei, part2 19m

Cranial Nerve Nuclei, part3 17m

Cranial Nerve Nuclei, part4 17m

Internal Anatomy of the Spinal Cord - Gray and White Matter 11m

Internal Anatomy of the Spinal Cord -Longitudinal Organization 11m

Internal Anatomy of the Spinal Cord In Cross Sections6m

Ventricles 8m

Overview of the Internal Capsule and Deep Gray Matter 8m

Localizing the Internal Capsule and Deep Gray Matter In Brain Slabs 9m

Localizing the Internal Capsule and Deep Gray Matter In Sylvius Atlases 12m

2 readings

Learning Objectives / Recommended Readings 10m

2 practice exercises

Brainstem and Spinal Cord 22m

Forebrain 30m

Week 3: 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.

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

9 videos

Overview of Neuronal Signaling 14m

Ionic Basis of the Resting Membrane Potential, part1 14m

Ionic Basis of the Resting Membrane Potential, part2 15m

Ionic Basis of the Action Potential, part1 18m

Ionic Basis of the Action Potential, part2 12m

Ionic Basis of the Action Potential, part3 15m

Molecular Mechanisms of Action Potential Generation, part1 20m

Molecular Mechanisms of Action Potential Generation, part2 9m

Propagation of Action Potentials 20m

1 reading

Learning Objectives / Recommended Readings 10m

1 practice exercise

Generating and Propagating Electrical Signals 30m

Week 4: Neural Signaling: Synaptic Transmission and Synaptic Plasticity

13 videos (Total 226 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

13 videos

Synaptic Transmission, part 1 21m

Synaptic Transmission, part 215m

Neurotransmitters, part 115m

Neurotransmitters, part 222m

Ionotropic Neurotransmitters Receptors, part 117m

Ionotropic Neurotransmitters Receptors, part 211m

Metabotropic Neurotransmitters Receptors and Postsynaptic Mechanisms11m

Synaptic Integration25m

Long-Term Potentiation and Depression, part 122m

Long-Term Potentiation and Depression, part 217m

Long-Term Potentiation and Depression, part 314m

Spike-Timing Dependent synaptic Plasticity19m

Hebb's Postulate11m

2 readings

Learning Objectives / Recommended Readings 10m

2 practice exercises

Synaptic Transmission 30m

Synaptic Plasticity 30m

Week 5: Sensory Systems: General Principles and Somatic Sensation

We have reached a significant juncture in Medical Neuroscience as we turn our attention to the organization and function of the sensory systems. We will begin our studies with the somatic sensory systems, which includes subsystems for mechanical sensation and pain/temperature sensation. But before we get there, it is worth considering first some organizing principles that will set the stage for studies of somatic sensation and all the other sensory systems of the body.

16 videos (Total 257 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

16 videos

The Thalamus 15m

Overview and Origins of Cortical Circuits, part1 16m

Overview and Origins of Cortical Circuits, part2 11m

General Principles of Sensory Systems, part1 17m

General Principles of Sensory Systems, part2 18m

Mechanosensation, part1 16m

Mechanosensation, part2 15m

Mechanosensation, part3 16m

Mechanosensory Pathways, part1 15m

Mechanosensory Pathways, part2 11m

Mechanosensory Pathways, part3 17m

Pain Systems, part1 19m

Pain Systems, part2 15m

Pain Systems, part3 13m

Pain and Temperature Pathways, part1 19m

Pain and Temperature Pathways, part2 17m

2 readings

Learning Objectives / Recommended Readings 10m

2 practice exercises

Organizing Principles30mSomatic Sensation 30m

Week 6: 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.

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

12 videos

Basic Structure of the Eye and Retina 16m

Photoreceptors and Phototransduction, part1 14m

Photoreceptors and Phototransduction, part2 11m

Ganglion Cell Receptive fields, part1 13m

Ganglion Cell Receptive fields, part2 6m

Central Visual Processing, part1 14m

Central Visual Processing, part2 15m

Central Visual Processing, part3 19m

Central Visual Pathways, part1 12m

Central Visual Pathways, part2 13m

Visual Field Deficits 15m

Pupillary Light Reflex 9m

2 readings

Learning Objectives / Recommended Readings 10m

2 practice exercises

The Eye 30m

Central Visual Processing 30m

Week 7: 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.

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

22 videos

Peripheral Auditory Mechanisms, part 1 18m

Peripheral Auditory Mechanisms, part2 13m

Peripheral Auditory Mechanisms, part3 10m

Central Auditory Processing, part1 14m

Central Auditory Processing, part2 11m

Central Auditory Processing, part1 15m

Peripheral Vestibular Mechanisms, part1 16m

Peripheral Vestibular Mechanisms, part2 14m

Peripheral Vestibular Mechanisms, part3 12m

Central Vestibular Processing, part1 8m

Central Vestibular Processing, part2 12m

Central Vestibular Processing, part3 12m

Central Vestibular Processing, part4 4m

Overview of the Chemical Senses 8m

Olfaction, part1 13m

Olfaction, part2 9m

Olfaction, part3 14m

Olfaction, part4 18m

Gustation, part1 11m

Gustation, part2 14m

Gustation, part3 9m

Trigeminal Chemoreception 10m

3 readings

Learning Objectives / Recommended Readings 10m

3 practice exercises

Audition 30m

Vestibular Sensation 30m

Chemical Senses 30m

Week 8:

Movement and Motor Control: Lower and Upper Motor Neurons

We come now to another pivot in Medical Neuroscience where our focus shifts from sensation to action. Or to borrow a phrase made famous by C.S. Sherrington more than a century ago (the title of his classic text), we will now consider the “integrative action of the nervous system”. We will do so in this module by learning the basic mechanisms by which neural circuits in the brain and spinal cord motivate bodily movement.

18 videos (Total 252 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

18 videos

Overview of the Motor System 14m

Overview of Motor Units 20m

Muscle Spindles and Myotatic Reflexes, part1 18m

Muscle Spindles and Myotatic Reflexes, part2 11m

Golgi Tendon Organs 7m

Spindles Versus GTOs, and Withdrawal Reflexes 9m

Central Pattern Generation 8m

Lower Motor Syndrome 5m

Primary Motor Cortex, part1 19m

Primary Motor Cortex, part2 15m

Primary Motor Cortex, part3 11m

Premotor Cortex 14m

Brainstem Upper Motor Neurons 15m

Emotional Motor System 15m

Control of Facial Expressions 22m

Upper Motor Neuron Syndrome 8m

Corticospinal and Corticobulbar Pathways, part1 18m

Corticospinal and Corticobulbar Pathways, part2 14m

2 readings

Learning Objectives / Recommended Readings 10m

2 practice exercises

Lower Motor Neuronal Control of Movement 30m

Upper Motor Neuronal Control of Movement 30m

Movement and Motor Control: Understanding the Paradigm of Eye Movements

6 videos (Total 60 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

6 videos

Muscles and Nerves 9m

Overview of Eye Movements 8m

Conjugate Eye Movements 9m

Disconjugate Eye Movements and Eye Movement Physiology 10m

Neural Control of Saccades, part1 10m

Neural Control of Saccades, part2 10m

1 reading

Learning Objectives / Recommended Readings 10m

1 practice exercise

Eye Movements 30m

Week 9:

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.

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

11 videos

Circuitry of the Basal Ganglia, part 1 17m

Circuitry of the Basal Ganglia, part2 13m

Circuitry of the Basal Ganglia, part3 14m

Function of Basal Ganglia Circuitry 17m

Basal Ganglia Function In Normal and Abnormal Movement 19m

Overview of the Cerebellum, part1 11m

Overview of the Cerebellum, part2 12m

Cerebellar Circuits, part1 11m

Cerebellar Circuits, part2 14m

Cerebellar Circuits, part3 6m

Cerebellar Function In Normal and Abnormal Movement 15m

2 readings

Learning Objectives / Recommended Readings 10m

2 practice exercises

Modulation of Movement by the Basal Ganglia 30m

Modulation of Movement by the Cerebellum 30m

Movement and Motor Control: Visceral Motor Control

We conclude our survey of movement and motor control by considering the visceral motor system, perhaps better known as the autonomic nervous system. As you study this lesson, consider how the disparate physiology of the viscera has impact not only on the internal state of the body, but also on implicit processing in the forebrain. We will return to this matter when we consider the neurobiology of emotions near the conclusion of Medical Neuroscience

8 videos (Total 107 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

8 videos

Functional and Anatomical Divisions of the Visceral Motor System, part 1 11m

Functional and Anatomical Divisions of the Visceral Motor System, part2 13m

Functional and Anatomical Divisions of the Visceral Motor System, part3 10m

Central Integration of Visceral Sensory and Motor Signals, part1 13m

Central Integration of Visceral Sensory and Motor Signals, part2 7m

Hypothalamus, part1 14m

Hypothalamus, part2 16m

Micturition 19m

1 reading

Learning Objectives / Recommended Readings 10m

1 practice exercise

Visceral Motor System 30m

Week 10: 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.

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

23 videos

Embryological Subdivisions of the Human CNS 8m

Major Forces In Early Brain Development 12m

Neurulation 11m

Formation of the Early CNS 12m

Inductive Signaling In CNS Formation 15m

Proliferation and Migration, part1 17m

Proliferation and Migration, part2 10m

Growth Cones 11m

Molecular Signals for Axon Guidance, part1 13m

Molecular Signals for Axon Guidance, part2 12m

Neurotrophins 13m

Neurotrophin Receptors and Synapse Formation 11m

Lessons from Studies of Ocular Dominance Columns, part1 21m

Lessons from Studies of Ocular Dominance Columns, part2 11m

Lessons from Studies of Orientation and Direction Preference, part1 15m

Lessons from Studies of Orientation and Direction Preference, part2 10m

Lessons from Studies of Orientation and Direction Preference, part3 16m

Neurotrophins In Developmental Plasticity 12m

Brain Development Across the Lifespan, part1 12m

Brain Development Across the Lifespan, part2 7m

Functional Plasticity In Cortical Maps 16m

Repair and Regeneration, part1 13m

Repair and Regeneration, part2 6m

3 readings

Learning Objectives / Recommended Readings 10m

3 practice exercises

Early Brain Development 30m

Developmental Plasticity of Neural Circuits In Early Life 30m

Development, Repair and Regeneration Across the Lifespan 30m

Week 11: 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.

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

11 videos

Overview of Cognition 15m

Overview of the Associational Cortex 13m

Parietal Associational Cortex, part1 12m

Parietal Associational Cortex, part2 14m

Temporal associational Cortex: Visual Recognition 21m

Temporal Associational Cortex: Memory, part1 23m

Temporal Associational Cortex: Memory, part2 11m

Temporal Associational Cortex: Language, part1 14m

Temporal Associational Cortex: Language, part2 11m

Frontal Associational Cortex: Working Memory 14m

Frontal Associational cortex: Exeutive Function 14m

1 reading

Learning Objectives / Recommended Reading 10m

1 practice exercise

Associational Cortex 30m

Week 12: Complex Brain Functions: Sleep, Emotion and Addiction

13 videos (Total 205 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

13 videos

Overview of Sleep and Wakefulness 18m

Circadian Rhythms 16m

Brain Waves and Sleep Stages 15m

Neural Circuits That Govern Sleep and Wakefulness, part1 19m

Neural Circuits That Govern Sleep and Wakefulness, part2 15m

Sleep Disorders 14m

Amygdala and Hippocampus In the Human Brain 5m

Neurobiology of Emotion, part1 15m

Neurobiology of Emotion, part2 13m

Neurobiology of Emotion, part3 20m

Neurobiology of Emotion, part4 22m

Reward and Addiction, part1 12m

Reward and Addiction, part2 13m

2 readings

Learning Objectives / Recommended Readings 10m

2 practice exercises

Sleep and Wakefulness 30m

Limbic Forebrain, Emotion, and Addiction 30m

Week 13:

Comprehensive Final Exam

1 video (Total 22 min), 1 reading, 5 quizzes

1 video

Preparing for the Comprehensive Final Exam 22m

1 reading

Preparation Notes 10m

5 practice exercises

Example Clinical Case Quiz (UNGRADED, 11 questions) 30m

Comprehensive Final Exam, part 1 (2 cases, 13 questions) 30m

Comprehensive Final Exam, part 2 (2 cases, 7 questions) 30m

Comprehensive Final Exam, part 3 (2 cases, 11 questions) 30m

Comprehensive Final Exam, part 4 (2 cases, 12 questions) 30m

Closing Remarks

1 video (Total 6 min)

1 video

Closing Remarks from Dr. White (05:44) 5m

Reviews:

As a former student of the Medical Neuroscience course authored by Leonard E. White on Coursera, I found the course to be an excellent educational experience.

The course is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive overview of the field of neuroscience, covering topics such as the structure and function of neurons, the organization and function of the nervous system, and the relationship between the brain and behavior. The course is presented in an engaging and accessible manner, with clear and concise video lectures, helpful diagrams and animations, and challenging but manageable quizzes and assignments.

One of the strengths of the course is its emphasis on active learning. Learners are encouraged to participate in online discussion forums, to collaborate with their peers, and to engage in independent research to deepen their understanding of the course materials. The course instructors are responsive and supportive, providing helpful feedback on assignments and answering questions in a timely manner.

The course is also well-organized, with clear learning objectives and a logical progression of topics. The course materials are presented in a modular format, allowing learners to work at their own pace and to revisit material as needed. The course also includes a wealth of supplementary materials, including additional readings, videos, and interactive tools, that allow learners to explore topics in greater depth.

Overall, I would highly recommend the Medical Neuroscience course to anyone interested in the workings of the human brain. The course is accessible to learners with a range of backgrounds and experience levels, and the quality of the course materials and instruction is excellent. The course provides a solid foundation in neuroscience that is applicable to a range of fields, including medicine, psychology, and neuroscience research.

At the time, the course has an average ratings of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on over 2,586 ratings.

What you'll learn:

After completing the Medical Neuroscience course by Leonard E. White on Coursera, learners will have gained several key skills, including:

Understanding the basic anatomy and physiology of the nervous system: Learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the different structures and functions of the human nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. They will also learn about the organization of the nervous system and how different regions of the brain are involved in various functions.
Recognizing the fundamental principles of electrical signaling in neurons: Learners will learn about the mechanisms involved in electrical signaling in neurons, including the role of ion channels, membrane potentials, and action potentials. They will also learn about the process of synaptic transmission, including the release of neurotransmitters and the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity.
Identifying the different types of sensory systems and how they function: Learners will gain an understanding of the different sensory systems in the body, including the visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, and somatosensory systems. They will learn about the different types of sensory receptors and how they transduce stimuli, as well as the neural pathways involved in transmitting sensory information to the brain.
Understanding the mechanisms involved in motor control and autonomic regulation: Learners will learn about the different types of motor neurons and how they control muscle contraction. They will also learn about the different types of reflexes and how they are regulated. In addition, learners will gain an understanding of the autonomic nervous system and how it regulates various bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion.
Evaluating the role of plasticity in the nervous system and its implications in disease and injury: Learners will learn about the mechanisms of neural plasticity, including long-term potentiation and long-term depression. They will also learn about the role of plasticity in learning and memory, as well as the ways in which plasticity can be affected by injury and disease.
Analyzing the effects of drugs and addiction on the nervous system: Learners will gain an understanding of the different types of drugs and how they affect the nervous system. They will learn about the mechanisms of addiction and how they are related to neural circuits in the brain.
Developing critical thinking skills to evaluate research in neuroscience and related fields: Throughout the course, learners will be encouraged to think critically about the scientific evidence presented in the lectures and readings. They will learn how to evaluate research studies and draw evidence-based conclusions.
Improving their ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to a broader audience: Finally, learners will have the opportunity to participate in online discussions with other learners and develop their skills in communicating complex scientific concepts to a broader audience. They will also have the opportunity to complete a final project in which they create a video or podcast that communicates a neuroscience concept to a general audience.

Author:

Leonard E. White is a Professor of Neuroscience at Duke University School of Medicine, where he has been teaching and conducting research for over 30 years. He is also an active member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences and has served as the Director of Graduate Studies for the Neurobiology Graduate Program at Duke.

Dr. White's research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in neural development, specifically the formation of synapses and the differentiation of neuronal cell types. He has published numerous research papers in prestigious journals, such as Neuron, Nature Neuroscience, and The Journal of Neuroscience.

In addition to his research, Dr. White is an accomplished educator who has received several awards for his teaching, including the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Duke School of Medicine. He is known for his engaging and dynamic teaching style, as well as his ability to communicate complex scientific concepts in a way that is accessible to learners at all levels.

Overall, Dr. White is a highly respected and knowledgeable expert in the field of neuroscience, with a wealth of experience both as a researcher and educator. His expertise and passion for the subject matter make him an excellent instructor for the Medical Neuroscience course on Coursera, and learners can expect to benefit greatly from his insights and expertise.

Requirements:

The Medical Neuroscience course, authored by Leonard E. White on Coursera, has the following requirements:

Prior Knowledge: While a basic understanding of biology, chemistry, and neuroscience is recommended, it is not required. The course is designed to be accessible to learners with a range of backgrounds and experience levels.
Technical Requirements: Access to a computer with a reliable internet connection is essential, as the course is entirely online. Learners will need to be able to stream video lectures, download and upload files, and participate in online discussion forums. Basic computer skills, such as proficiency in navigating web pages and using online communication tools, are necessary for successful completion of the course.
Time Commitment: Learners will need to devote approximately 3-5 hours per week to the course, including watching video lectures, completing quizzes and assignments, and participating in discussion forums. While the course is self-paced, learners are encouraged to stay on schedule to maximize their learning experience.
Language Requirements: The course materials, including video lectures, quizzes, and assignments, are presented in English. As such, learners should be comfortable with reading and writing in English.
Course Materials: Learners will need access to a printer to print out course materials, such as notes and handouts. Additionally, some assignments may require the use of specialized software, such as MATLAB, which may require additional technical proficiency.

Overall, the Medical Neuroscience course is designed to be accessible to a wide range of learners, but a willingness to commit time and effort to the course is essential for successful completion.

Register Now!