Perspective: robotics and the brain
Dr Nick Hawes discusses the value of applying what we know about the brain in the areas of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Course: Good Brain, Bad Brain: Basics
Perspective: computer science and the brain
Professor Russell Beale explains how knowledge of the human brain can impact on developments in computer science.
Case study: Huntington’s disease
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a disorder that someone is born with yet they often don’t experience symptoms until well into adulthood. It occurs when an individual has a mutated form …
Case study: schizophrenia
The two previous case studies have focussed on two conditions where a single cause has been identified, namely glial pathology and a mutant gene. However, for many brain disorders research …
Case study: multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the central nervous system. It is relatively rare with about 120,000 in the whole of the UK having a diagnosis. The symptoms …
Perspective: music and the brain
Professor Michael Zev Gordon discusses how studying the workings of the brain can give insight into the creative and emotional impact of music. In Step 3.4 we considered what we …
Brains with differential function
Up until now we have mostly been considering the function of the so-called normal human brain, with the occasional example of where we might consider the brain to be dysfunctioning, …
Are all functions highly localised?
We have explored the concept that functions may be localised and have looked at examples for some of the sensory functions that the brain performs. Of course, we don’t just …
Case study: localisation of language
Understanding and use of complex language is often considered to be one of the defining features of humans. It is, therefore, unsurprising that there has been a considerable research effort …
Sensory brain areas: localisation and hierarchical processing
In Week 1 we looked at lobes and started to attribute certain functions to brain areas. For areas of the brain that process sensory information, we have now been able …
Altering neurotransmission 2b: post-release
An explanation of how chemical neurotransmitters can affect cell function at the synapse, focusing on processes in the synaptic cleft and post-synaptic cell.
Case study: antidepressants
Clinical depression is a well-recognised human condition with a characteristic set of symptoms. There are a number of therapeutic approaches which can be considered; the choice of which is used …
Altering neurotransmission 1: learning
The recognition that the brain is not “hard-wired” but that there is a highly dynamic process of synaptic remodelling going on throughout life is functionally very important. In Week 1 …
Altering neurotransmission 2a: pre-release
An explanation of how chemical neurotransmitters can affect cell function at the synapse, focusing on processes in the pre-synaptic terminal.
Everything you need to know about blended learning
We take a closer look at blended learning, exploring what it is, the different models, …
What is imposter syndrome, and how can you deal with it?
Most people have experienced feeling like an imposter at some point in their lives, so …
Gratitude and happiness: the importance of being grateful
Discover how the simple practise of gratitude can bring a host of different benefits to …
What does sustainability mean?
Sustainability is a hot topic right now. But what does it really mean, and which …
