Thinking Like a Neuroscientist

This course comprises the UBC Micro-certificate in Thinking Like a Neuroscientist.

Thinking Like a Neuroscientist introduces foundational concepts in neuroscience while exploring how neuroscientists investigate, interpret and apply knowledge about the brain. You will build an understanding of how the brain influences behaviour and how neuroscience informs research, healthcare and everyday life.

Designed for learners without prior scientific training, this course provides an accessible introduction to neuroscience. It explores core concepts, research methods, ethical considerations and real-world applications, while examining topics such as neurodiversity, neurological and psychiatric conditions. You'll develop the knowledge and critical thinking skills to better understand neuroscience and communicate its relevance across different settings.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• describe and critically evaluate foundational neuroscience concepts, including brain structure, function and neurobiological processes 
• identify and compare key approaches used in neuroscience research and distinguish between major subfields 
• explain how neurological and psychiatric conditions are understood at a behavioural and biological level 
• understand and reflect on neurodiversity, mental health and wellbeing from scientific and lived-experience perspectives
• communicate core neuroscience concepts clearly to non-specialist audiences 
• apply neuroscience thinking to real-world situations in work, learning and daily life

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: Thinking Like a Neuroscientist

• What is Neuroscience, Anyway? 
• People and Ethics: Beyond the Brain 
• The Practice of Neuroscience

Module 2: The Languages of Neuroscience

• What is “The Brain”? 
• Neurodevelopment & Neurodiversity

Module 3: Healthy Brains

• Brain, Thought, and Emotion
• Our Brains: Community, Connection and Culture

Module 4: Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions

• Neurological Conditions
• Psychiatric Conditions Part 1: Mood disorders and psychoses
• Psychiatric Conditions Part 2: Treatment approaches
• Course Wrap-up: Continuing your Neuroscience Learning

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 that applies neuroscience concepts to a topic or context of interest. 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.

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.