Online Neuroscience Course and Class Information

It may surprise students to find that neuroscience courses are available through distance learning programs at many accredited colleges. Some of these courses are rare stand-alone courses that cover theory and controversial issues. Students must have JavaScript-enabled computers to take these classes.

Summary of Online Neuroscience Courses

Neuroscience is a field of study that combines psychology, science, medicine and computer courses. Students may attempt to discover how the brain and nervous system work in the body through many available online courses.
In these courses students confront some of the most highly controversial topics in neuroscience today. Students must remain unbiased when taking these courses so that their essays and assignments are scientifically accurate and not editorial pieces.
Those interested in learning about neuroscience controversies and how the brain works should consider enrolling in a brick-and-mortar college. For those who want to just dabble in the neuroscience field before deciding whether to pursue a neuroscience degree, online courses are a perfect fit.

Course Requirements

Aside from Internet access, students are required to have access to Adobe Acrobat Reader, RealPlayer and an enabled JavaScript. Monitor resolution should also be high due to the images, videos, tutorials and simulations that may be included in an online course. A CD-ROM drive is a benefit for those programs that include lectures on disks.

Neuroscience Courses through Distance Learning

Introductory Neuroscience

As the most important course in a neuroscience program, this introductory course trains students in the basics of the brain. In this course students research thoughts, memories, emotions and behavior through cell communication. After many readings and online lectures, students should be able to name the cells in the nervous system, understand how drugs affect mental processes and know the parts of the nervous system. Using a virtual program students may complete a brain dissection. Students may also look at problems that are encountered medically, such as brain death, aneurysms, brain injuries, strokes, epilepsy and tumors.

Cognition

In this course students learn how attention, memories and problem-solving are learned through neuroscience. Students use online lectures and tutorials to learn about the biology of learning and cognitive development. Through examination, they come to understand how nervous system functions affect learning. Students practice writing using APA (American Psychological Association) style, a common writing style in psychology, medicine and science.

Neuroethics

This stand-alone course confronts the many ethical issues surrounding neuroscience and technology. Topics include mood-enhancing and memory-disabling drugs, using brain images to type behavior, brain activity scans used in court proceedings and brain implants. Students learn how technology is on the verge of creating a breakthrough in neuroscience. A question confronted by students in this course is whether technological innovations should be used to treat brain disorders or avoided because they have the potential to invade a person's mental privacy.