This course explores the physiological foundation underlying human behavior and is designed to provide an introduction to the fascinating world of brain research. Throughout the course, we will study how neurons function and communicate with each other. We will discuss basic principles of pharmacology – how various drugs and medications affect neuronal function. We will learn about the structure of the human nervous system and discuss different sensory systems (with emphasis on vision and hearing). Finally, we will study various neuropsychiatric disorders that dramatically affect behavior. During the course, we will be exposed to advanced research methods in neuroscience, including revolutionary techniques developed in recent years.

In the first part of the course, we will learn about the building blocks of brain activity, closely examine the neuron, and learn how neurons communicate with each other to transmit messages in the brain. We will describe examples of chemical substances that form the basis for intercellular communication, demonstrate how this communication can be influenced by taking medications or drugs, and how these substances are involved in neuropsychiatric disorders. We will learn about brain structure by dividing the brain into subregions and discuss the brain functions for which each area is responsible. Finally, we will discuss innovative research methods currently used in brain research.

Subsequently, we will study the senses and movement, learning about the visual and auditory systems through which we perceive the world around us, and the motor system through which we, in turn, affect the world. We will learn how our visual system works, how the brain connects dots and lines into complete objects, how we perceive color and depth, and what happens when different visual areas are damaged. We will learn what a sound wave is, how our ear translates the sound wave into brain activity, what happens when our auditory system is damaged and what can be done in such cases, and how we understand speech. Finally, we will learn how the brain activates muscles, from reflexes to complex movements.

In conclusion, we will explore the domains of higher cognition, complex functions, and emotion. We will discuss the question – what is memory? We will learn about different types of memory, how memory is studied, and what happens when memory is impaired. We will discuss brain regions involved in the experience of emotion and what happens when these areas are damaged.

* The course material will be tailored to the age of the learners.