This course comprises the UBC Micro-certificate in Neuroscience and Our World.
Neuroscience and Our World explores how neuroscience is applied across disciplines, including healthcare, education, technology and the humanities. As neuroscience continues to influence how we understand human behaviour, health and innovation, there is growing need for learners who can critically evaluate neuroscience research and recognize its relevance in real-world contexts.
Designed for learners who have completed Thinking Like a Neuroscientist, this course builds upon foundational neuroscience knowledge by exploring current issues, applications and emerging perspectives in the field. You will examine topics such as neuroscience and ethics, neuropsychiatry, neurodiversity, neuroscience in healthcare and education, and the relationship between neuroscience and technology. You’ll develop the skills to evaluate neuroscience-informed approaches and communicate complex concepts to non-specialist audiences.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- apply neuroscience concepts, theories and research approaches across neuroscience subdisciplines and real-world contexts
- evaluate how neuroscience is applied across fields such as healthcare, education, technology and the humanities
- explain historical and contemporary perspectives on mental health, neurology and psychiatry
- critically examine the ethical and societal implications of neuroscience research and its applications
- identify limitations and knowledge gaps in neuroscience and consider their impact on decisions in work and everyday life
- communicate neuroscience concepts and their real-world applications to non-specialist audiences
Course activities include readings, cinematic lectures, case studies and quizzes. In the instructor-supported format, you also participate in live discussion sessions and complete a capstone project.
Course outline
Module 1: Neuroscience as a Research Field
- (Re-)Thinking Like a Neuroscientist Part 1
- (Re-)Thinking Like a Neuroscientist Part 2
- Research Design
Module 2: Subdisciplines of Neuroscience
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience Part 1: Sensation, perception and motor systems
- Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience Part 2: Cognition, motivation and emotion
Module 3: Applied Neuroscience
- Neuroscience and Humanities
- Neuroscience and Healthcare
- Neuroscience and Education
- Neuroscience and Technology
- Neuroscience and our World: Past, Present and Future
How am I assessed?
In the self-paced format, you complete self-assessment and graded quizzes that provide ongoing feedback and check your understanding of key concepts.
In the instructor-supported format, you complete quizzes, participate in real-time discussion sessions, and complete a final capstone project exploring how neuroscience is applied across individuals, society and different fields. Attendance and participation in live sessions is required to support learning and engagement.
Assessment is based on completion of required learning activities and a proficiency-based approach.
Expected effort
In the self-paced format, expect to spend approximately 85 hours in total completing all learning activities, within the course timeline of up to six months.
In the instructor-supported format, expect to spend approximately seven to eight hours per week completing all learning activities, including participation in real-time discussion sessions.
Technology requirements
To take this course, and for the best experience, you should have access to:
- an email account
- a computer or laptop (Windows or macOS) or a tablet
- the latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
- a reliable internet connection
For the instructor-supported format, you will also need:
- a video camera and microphone for real-time discussion sessions
One day before the course starts, you will receive step-by-step instructions for accessing the learning platform.
Requisites
Completion of Thinking Like a Neuroscientist.
Course format
This micro-certificate is 100% online and delivered in two formats: self-paced or instructor-supported with real-time sessions.
In the self-paced format, you complete modules independently and progress through learning activities within the program timeline of up to six months from the start date.
In the instructor-supported format, you complete modules within set deadlines and participate in scheduled real-time discussion sessions with the instructor. These sessions provide opportunities for questions, guided discussion and peer interaction.