Thinking Like a Neuroscientist

UBC Micro-certificate

  • $559 to $1,059

Neuroscience is no longer confined to research labs or specialized academic programs. It shapes the technologies we use daily, informs healthcare and education, influences media and marketing, and helps explain how we think, learn and behave. As its relevance expands across sectors, there is growing demand for accessible, applied training that helps learners understand both the science of the brain and its real-world implications.

The UBC Micro-certificate in Thinking Like a Neuroscientist is a part-time, online program that introduces you to core neuroscience concepts and ways of thinking used by neuroscientists. You explore foundational topics such as neuroanatomy, neurotransmission, research methods, neurodiversity and neurological and psychiatric conditions to build both conceptual understanding and the ability to interpret neuroscience in real-world contexts.

Developed by the UBC Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience and UBC Extended Learning, this micro-certificate combines neuroscientific foundations with applied examples and the stories of those who live with a psychiatric and/or neurological conditions. You will build confidence in interpreting neuroscience theories and concepts and prepare for continued learning in neuroscience or related fields.

  • Who it’s for: Professionals in healthcare, technology, education, research and other fields that could benefit from neuroscience training, as well as individuals seeking accessible, applied neuroscience learning for personal interest or professional development.
  • Format: 100% online, available either in a self-paced format or instructor supported format with real-time discussion sessions.
  • Duration: One micro-certificate that will take approximately 85 hours to complete. In the self-paced format, you can take up to six months to the micro-certificate. In the instructor supported format, the micro-certificate runs for 11 weeks.
  • Cost: $559 for the self-paced format or $1,059 for the instructor supported format.
  • Next offering: Winter 2027

Thinking Like a Neuroscientist is the first of two micro-certificates in the UBC Certificate in Essentials of Neuroscience. It can be taken on its own or as part of the full certificate. 

Information session - Oct 27

In this online session, learn more about the UBC Certificate in Essentials of Neuroscience. Thinking Like a Neuroscientist is the first of two micro-certificates in the program. Hear from the program developers and instructors, and get an overview of learning outcomes, what to expect and available funding.

Program details

StrongerBC future skills grant

This program is eligible for StrongerBC future skills grant, which is open to most BC residents aged 19 years or older – and covers up to $3,500 for eligible programs at public post-secondary institutions.

Applications for this program will open in the StrongerBC future skills grant Management System in the near future.

Read more about eligibility and registration process.  

How can we help?

We’re here to answer your questions, discuss learning options and provide insights, recommendations and referrals.  

Facebook The logo for the Facebook social media service. Handshake Two hands shaking in agreement Instagram The logo for the Instagram social media service. Linkedin The logo for the LinkedIn social media service. Question A question mark inside a solid circle. Twitter The logo for the Twitter social media service. Youtube The logo for the YouTube video sharing service. RSS The symbol to indicate an RSS feed. Arrow An arrowhead pointing to the right Arrow, right to bracket An arrowhead pointing to the right, into a bracket character. External Link An arrowhead pointing up and to the right, from inside a box Bars Three horizontal bars. Books Three book spines, viewed head-on, one leaning. Calendar A monthly calendar page. E-commerce Cart A shopping cart Checkmark A checkmark character Chevron A chevron character pointing to the right Checkmark A checkmark character inside a solid circle Cost A dollar sign inside a solid circle Info An 'i' character inside a solid circle Play An arrowhead pointing to the right inside of a solid circle Question mark A question mark inside a solid cicle User A silhouette of a person inside a solid circle Envelope A closed envelope Certificate A document with an award pinned to it File with question mark A file with a circled question mark Pen A document with a pen beside it Filter A funnel / filter silhouette Computer Keyboard A computer keyboard Laptop Computer An open laptop computer with a blank screen Location Pin A map location pin Search A magnifying glass Minus A minus sign News A folded newspaper Plus A plus symbol indicating more or the ability to add Quote, left An opening quotation character Road circle exclamation A road with an exclamation warning Snowflake A snowflake Alert An exclamation point inside a solid triangle User A silhouette of a person Close The character 'X'