Skip to main content

Individual Course

Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 1: The Electrical Properties of the Neuron

thumbnail

Course Length

5 weeks

3-5 hours a week

Featuring faculty from:

Harvard Faculty of Arts & Sciences LogoHarvard Faculty of Arts & Sciences

Enroll as Individual

Certificate Price:

$ 249

Enroll on edX

Enroll as Individual

Certificate Price:

$ 249

Enroll on edX

Learn how electricity makes the neurons in your brain tick.

Fundamentals of Neuroscience is a three-course series that explores the structure and function of the nervous system—from the inner workings of a single nerve cell to the staggering complexity of the brain and the social interactions they enable.

In this first course, you'll learn how individual neurons use electricity to transmit information. You'll build a neuron, piece by piece, using interactive simulations, then travel around Harvard's campus, where you'll see the inner workings of a lab and learn how to conduct DIY neuroscience experiments on your own.

Join us as we study the electrical properties in individual neurons, building a foundation for understanding the function of the entire nervous system.

The course will be delivered via edX and connect learners around the world. By the end of the course, participants will learn:

Self-Guided

EDX

Learning Outcome

Fundamentals of bioelectricity

Learning Outcome

The importance of resting potential and properties of passive membranes

Learning Outcome

Action potentials, their currents, and their role in the nervous system

  • Learn from Harvard faculty
  • Do it on your own time
  • Get a certificate, add it to your resume
  • Be part of the Harvard Community
Data Science for Business values

Faculty

Your Instructor

David Cox

Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Computer Science, Harvard University

David Cox is an Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology and of Computer Science, and is a member of the Center for Brain Science at Harvard University. He completed his Ph.D. in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT with a specialization in computational neuroscience. His laboratory seeks to understand the computational underpinnings of visual processing through concerted efforts in both reverse- and forward-engineering. To this end, his group employs a wide range of experimental techniques (ranging from microelectrode recordings in living brains to visual psychophysics in humans) to probe natural systems, while at the same time actively developing practical computer vision systems based on what is learned about the brain.

Complete your journey with this MicroBachelors® Program

These courses are curated to help you develop a strong foundational knowledge of core neurobiology concepts from the cellular to the systemic levels.

Learn More
  • 4 Courses
  • 5 Months
  • Earn Degree Credit

Ways to take this course

Audit or Pursue a Verified Certificate

A Verified Certificate costs $249 and provides unlimited access to full course materials, activities, tests, and forums. At the end of the course, learners who earn a passing grade can receive a certificate.

⁠Alternatively, learners can Audit the course for free and have access to select course material, activities, tests, and forums. Please note that this track does not offer a certificate for learners who earn a passing grade.

Stay tuned for more

Don’t miss a thing. Subscribe to our newsletter and get updates on exclusive content for Harvard Online learners.

Related Blogs