Main Description:
Learn about the intricacies of the human brain with this short course that will step you through understanding how the human brain functions, how it recovers from damage and the anatomy and biology of the brain.
The human brain is an amazing piece of architecture. Weighing in at an average of just 3 pounds, or 1.3kg, our brains have evolved to be the most complex organs on the planet, and they are more organised than the entire cosmos. It is estimated that they contain 100 billion neurons and there are some 100 trillion connections between them. It is perhaps not surprising that studying the brain has been the life’s work of so many eminent scientists. Some would argue that given their intricacy, our brains are not even capable of understanding themselves.
Our 20 hour courses are self paced and will help you understand a topic in a short amount of time. You can work through the course when you like- test yourself with mini-tests along the way. There are extra case studies or research you can undertake if you would really like to get into the topic. Once you have completed the lessons and self assessment tasks, there is a final exam undertaken online- you can then download your personalised certificate.
Course Structure:
This course has eight lessons. Each lesson has a corresponding online self-assessment test:
Lesson 1- UNDERSTANDING THE HUMAN BRAIN
- The biology of the brain
- How can studying animals help?
- Who is interested in the brain?
- The mind-brain problem
- Brain studies
- Review what you have been learning
Lesson 2 BRAIN ANATOMY & BEHAVIOUR
- The structure of the brain
- Forebrain
- Midbrain
- Hindbrain
- Divisions of the brain
- The lobes
- The normal functioning of the brain
- Case studies
- Brain plasticity and the impact of behaviour
- Brain development from embryo to death
- Blood- brain barrier
- Lesson 2 additional reading
- Review what you have been learning
Lesson 3 BRAIN CHEMISTRY & ELECTRONICS
- How neurons transmit messages
- Neurochemistry
- Neurons in detail
- Diet and neurotransmitters
- Neurotransmitters and behaviour
- Drugs and neurotransmitters
- Ways of detecting and studying brain chemistry and electrical activity
- Practical benefits of measuring brain chemistry and electrical activity
- Review what you have been learning
Lesson 4 BIOLOGY & NEUROLOGY IN LEARNING & MEMORY
- Biopsychology & neurology of learning
- Memory
- How is memory organised?
- Case studies – memory
- Practical benefits of studying memory
- Review what you have been learning
Lesson 5 BRAIN DAMAGE
- Brain damage & neuropsychology
- Brain lesions
- Causes of brain lesions
- Tumours
- Cerebral disorders (stroke)
- Pathology of brain injury
- Environmental factors
- Practical benefits in daily life
- How disease can alter brains
- Lesson 5 additional reading
- Review what you have been learning
Lesson 6 ASSESSMENT & OUTCOMES OF BRAIN DAMAGE
- Types of brain injury
- Sequelae of brain injury
- Sexual functioning
- Initial assessment
- Further testing
- Review what you have been learning
Lesson 7 TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT OF BRAIN DAMAGE
- What is appropriate treatment?
- Patient-clinician relationship
- Patient compliance
- Treating brain lesions
- Outcomes of treatment
- Developing management plans
- Ending treatment
- Review what you have been learning
Lesson 8 APPLICATIONS OF NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH
- Assessment & rehabilitation
- Brain studies and children
- Other applications of research into brain & behaviour
- Review what you have been learning
- Final assessment
How Does a Warnborough Online Course Work?
You can start this course at any time you like. Once you have enrolled, you will be given access to our online learning system where you can view or download the lessons to your PC, tablet or other device.
There are self-assessment tests at the end of each unit so you can check if you understood the lesson. You can attempt these as many times as you like, and the results will be displayed once you have completed. You must be connected to the Internet for these tests to work. Practical exercises and research tasks will be set at the end of each lesson – including an assignment. You will submit this assignment to your course tutor, who will mark your work and give you constructive feedback and suggestions.
At the end of the course, you can apply to do a final assessment. This may be an examination or a major project. You will receive the credits and a certificate of completion if you pass. If you have any questions, please contact us.
