Course Description

The human nervous system is responsible for all simple and complex behaviors that people are capable of. Basic understanding of this complex system provides a foundation for our own thinking about how these behaviors are established and maintained. Armed with this understanding, we can facilitate and promote environments for learning that are complementary of the biology and physiology that allow learning to take place.

In order to attain a basic understanding of the brain and how it works, it is necessary to look at several levels of organization and function. Although the most basic levels of biology look at structures and functions that are components of individual cells, this tutorial will begin at the cell level and work up through the complex systems that support memory and learning. Due to the brevity of this tutorial, the material and activities included are designed to allow development of a basic understanding. There are additional optional resources listed that you can explore to broaden and deepen your understanding. You are encouraged to explore the optional resources, but they are additional, and not part of the tutorial you are expected to complete.