What is Neuroscience: Definition and 150 Discussions

Neuroscience (or neurobiology) is the scientific study of the nervous system. It is a multidisciplinary science that combines physiology, anatomy, molecular biology, developmental biology, cytology, computer science and mathematical modeling to understand the fundamental and emergent properties of neurons and neural circuits. The understanding of the biological basis of learning, memory, behavior, perception, and consciousness has been described by Eric Kandel as the "ultimate challenge" of the biological sciences.The scope of neuroscience has broadened over time to include different approaches used to study the nervous system at different scales and the techniques used by neuroscientists have expanded enormously, from molecular and cellular studies of individual neurons to imaging of sensory, motor and cognitive tasks in the brain.

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  1. thrill3rnit3

    Medical Neuroscience for Beginners: A Comprehensive Introduction to the Nervous System

    Hello everyone. I don't know if this is the right place for this thread, but I am looking for an introductory neuroscience text for beginners. Thanks.
  2. O

    Programs A Double Degree in Phys and Neuroscience Possible? (and other inquiries)

    Hey guys. I'm from Malaysia and I'm currently applying for the American Degree Transfer Program offered in one of the colleges here (Have been in college for only 2 days). I'm planning to major in physics but I'm having some doubts about it. Probably like most of you guys here, I'm a sucker...
  3. R

    Learning neuroscience from scratch

    whoops should have put this in academic guidance, my bad!
  4. R

    Learning neuroscience from scratch

    hey so i have basically decided that this is what i want to do with my life. i enrolled full time at a university and am attending class part time now as well 2 begginer psych courses and one bio course on basic brain function. (the guy spends most of the time on the cellular level of neurons...
  5. F

    Schools College freshman, interested in theoretical neuroscience

    So I'm currently a freshman at UPenn. I came in wanting to major in physics & math and go on to grad school in particle physics. However I've been a bit disillusioned since, by how esoteric the math required for it was and by the fact that there are barely any positions in academia for it. And...
  6. A

    Programs Best double major for comp neuroscience?

    I have recently made a change in my future PhD track from astrophysics to computational neuroscience or something very closely related. I am currently a physics major and was going to add biology in the spring. After doing some background research it seems that my current BSc track will suffice...
  7. A

    Programs Which type of REU for future PhD in Neuroscience?

    I am currently declared as a physics major and will be adding biology as a second major during the upcoming semester. I was originally set on astrophysics but the scarcity of post grad employment has me worried. Also astrophysics is a bit less "tangible" than neuroscience so I worry that I may...
  8. N

    From engineering to neuroscience?

    I've recently (within the past week) become fascinated by neuroscience. I've always been interested in thoughts and what exactly is consciousness, but I've never really thought about studying it as a profession. With my first semester wrapping up, I'm wondering if I should make a switch? Are...
  9. Pythagorean

    Where Can I Find Time-Series Membrane Potential Data for Cognitive Experiments?

    Is there a database of time-series data for membrane potentials (i.e. spike trains) in cognitive experiments (ideally, several different kinds of cognitive experiments). I've spent some time googling, but using the word data gives me a lot of data analysis papers, not the data itself.
  10. S

    Physics Trying to decide between phd in pure physics or phd neuroscience (AI related)

    I'm currently a graduate student doing theoretical physics at a tier 1 school. I'm trying to decide between these two. 1) stay in pure physics PROS: - since I've already taken field theory, I can start doing research quickly - will probably learn some useful simulation skills (I'm...
  11. Pythagorean

    Dynamical Neuroscience: Wiki Article Entry - Input Needed

    I've just made a wiki article entry, and would be interested on input from professionals. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamical_Neuroscience thanks!
  12. P

    Neuroscience Careers: MD vs PhD?

    Hello, people! I'm fond of studying the nervous system and I'd like to pursue a career related to it, but I don't know which path to take:pratice(MD) or research(PhD). Here's a rough comparison of how these jobs are to me: MD(neurologist or neurosurgeon)=safe, tedious, well-paid job...
  13. S

    Brain, biology, biophysics, computational neuroscience, brain-comp interface

    Here's my background: Completing an engineering M.S. this year. I've done a lot of programming and building systems of ode/pde, neural networks, finite & discrete element models, hydraulic networks. I like coding and computer models very much. My problem is the research topics are...
  14. M

    Computational/Mathematical Neuroscience

    Is anybody here familiar with computational/mathematical neuroscience? I graduated with a B.S. in physics and math two years ago and have decided to apply to grad school for 2011. I need some help though on deciding what path to take. I don't know if I should go the applied math route or a...
  15. E

    Schools Functional Analysis, Neuroscience, and Grad School

    I'm going to be applying to grad schools next year (I have an undergrad degree in math and phyisics), and I have narrowed down my areas of interest to two fields: functional analysis and it's involvement in QFT; and computational/theoretical neuroscience. I find pure math more enjoyable, but I'm...
  16. R

    Can i cite a preprint in a neuroscience paper ?

    Its becoming more common for journals to have preprint repository sections...i.e. even nature are doing it for neuroscience, and i noticed some respectable scientists are just using this channel to publish stuff at preprint then get colleagues to review, and then not bothering to publish if that...
  17. S

    What are some affordable introductory neuroscience books?

    I'm looking for an introductory neuroscience book. I only know basic biology so I'm not sure if I'd be ok in reading a textbook (I do have the whole internet though if I come across something unfamiliar). I've seen several books however they seem geared for medical students instead of actual...
  18. A

    Medical Books on Neuroscience: Consciousness, Altered States, Hallucinations

    Hey guys, I just finished watching the movie http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altered_States" . As a movie, it wasn't bad, but it was the subject matter that really interested me. The main character is trying to find out what exactly consciousnesses is using hallucinogenics and a float tank, and...
  19. A

    Courses Neuroscience Course Assistance

    I have selected Neuroscience is the major that I will be pursuing (for personal and intellectual reasons). I work forty hours a week and take classes at night and online through my community college. I currently have a transfer contract with William and Mary, upon completion of the required...
  20. T

    Thoughts on Columbia Neuroscience/ Electrical Engineering?

    I have applied to Columbia PhD program in EE. They have a computational neuroscience group called Bionet (only one professor) which is based in the Electrical Engineering Department which I am very interested in. If I get accepted I will be able to start school in January. When I look at US...
  21. H

    Paving the way to neuroscience

    Hi I'm studying an unconventional course in uni that covers both chemistry and pharmacology. I've decided its neuroscience I want to get into and all along its been my subconscious motivation for studying chemistry and pharmacology. I've only just started my first year which is an overlap year...
  22. W

    Intro to Neuroscience: Membrane Capacitance and Equilibrium Potentials Explained

    I need a little help with this assignment from my neuroscience class. I have tried to answer them but I'll like to know if my reasoning is right or wrong. I had to use the Neurons in Action software at school for some simulations but I think most of the questions could be answered without it...
  23. M

    Medical Quantum Physics, Neuroscience and Consciousness

    http://www-physics.lbl.gov/~stapp/PTRS.pdf Just thought I'd leave this here to start a discussion. Not sure if the thread will need to be moved.
  24. I

    What career options would I have with neuroscience

    Like what areas of work should I look into?
  25. R

    Neuroscience, complete newbie about it, one of my interests too (ironicly)

    Yes, I know I can easily google this... but forums is more fun :smile: Is the job title "Neuroscientist" a vague term, is it sort of like engineering? What type of engineer? How would I get started about researching the brain? Job prospects? Is it like psychology, that if you only had a...
  26. R

    Medical Neuroscience Q. - How long do new learned material stay in your head for?

    Man I hate forgetting. What I've done so far is log my study times to optimize my spacing. The logs are put on the first page of my binders. Let's say on Day 1. You learned a new concept, the class took 1 hour. You go home and do the 3 hours of practice homework. How long will it take on...
  27. K

    Computational neuroscience & neuroinformatics

    Hi all, i'm finishing my master studies this year (physics) and I'm planning to go into grad school next year. Does anybody know which US universities have strong programs & research in computational neuroscience and neuroinformatics? my current theme of research is brain funcional connectivity...
  28. F

    Neuroscience: Is it a Challenging Field to Pursue?

    Greetings, I am 14 years of age and I am thinking of choosing a profession revolving around neuroscience. My query is how hard is it to enroll in the related university and how much work does it require? -Thanks
  29. D

    The Neuroscience of Free Will: Believing in a Soul or Something Else?

    Who still believes in a true 'soul like' free will? Hasn't neuroscience done enough to refute this ancient idea? And if not true free will, then what guides human behavior?
  30. A

    Is neuroscience a profitable job in the future of about 10-15 years?

    Is neuroscience a profitable job in the future of about 10-15 years? What kinds of things can you do with a degree in neurosci?
  31. A

    Finance or Neurons: Which Career Path Is Right for You?

    Which would you rather have as a career: finance/economics or neuroscience? Why?
  32. S

    Is Precognition and Neuroscience a Valid Scientific Topic?

    Is this for real or not? http://www.metapsychique.org/Future-Present-Past.html...
  33. P

    Exploring the Connection Between Math & Neuroscience: A Student's Perspective

    Hi all, Back when I was in high school, I was in this group where we competed with other school on a Jeopardy-style quiz competition where all the questions are related to basic neuroscience. Ever since then, I was fascinated by neuroscience. Right now, I'm a sophomore at a university and...
  34. A

    AI vs. Computational Neuroscience

    I'm thinking about taking either one of these. What's your opinion on both of them, and which one will have a greater impact on the world? I know that's a vague question, but I'll explain: AI is rife with false-starts and disillusionments along the way. I guess neuroscience might be "safer"...
  35. Cincinnatus

    Key papers in computational neuroscience

    The following email was sent out via the computational neuroscience mailing list [Comp-neuro]. Since Comp-neuro is a public list I think it is fine to repost this here (I am not the author). Perhaps someone will find this useful... -Cincinnatus...
  36. F

    Schools What are the best schools for Neurophysics/Comp. Neuroscience

    Hey guys, I'll be applying for Physics and Comp. Neuroscience PhD programs in the Fall. Any good schools worth applying to? Which schools consider "neuro-related" physics their strength? All I know is on the East Coast, UNC has a Neurophysics lab, and on the West Coast, Berkeley & UCSD are...
  37. F

    Former Premed wants to Quantum Computation/Computational Neuroscience

    Hey guys! I have a double degree in Biochem (B.S.) & Physics (B.A.) from Virginia, and I wanted to request some career guidance. Initially in college, I was a premed staying on the Biochem. Then I discovered the awesomeness that was Feynman and rest of physics. String theory really pulled...
  38. fuzzyfelt

    Reader in Neuroscience: Exploring Art & Bee Matrix

    He is a Reader in Neuroscience, but has also exhibited at the Hayward and Serpentine Galleries, and I like this Bee Matrix.
  39. M

    Programs Neuroscience and Biology Majors for Undergraduates

    This topic may or may not have already come up on this forum, but I just couldn't spot it. For those of you who have double majored in both Neuroscience as well as Biology (Or even either subject alone), What has your experience been in finding a decent job after your first four years, and what...
  40. F

    Advice for an NYU Junior Changing Majors to Neuroscience

    Hi all, I'm hoping that I can get some advice on my current situation. I'm a junior at NYU, and I've just recently switched my major to Neuroscience. After undergrad, I want to get a PhD in neural science and my long term goal (as of right now) is to do research in neural coding and neural...
  41. A

    Neuroscience - Action Potentials, Voltage Clamps

    Neuroscience -- Action Potentials, Voltage Clamps I'm trying to do a Neuroscience assignment and I'm a little confused about action potential behaviors especially when dealing with voltage clamps. First, when you are trying to measure the rate of an action potential propagation would you...
  42. R

    Biophysics? Computational Neuroscience? M-Theory?

    Ok here's the scoop. I'm fresh out of high school and starting my first year at college. Before I get too deep into one particular area and get stuck I was hoping I could get some help here and some useful advice from you guys. Bottomline: I love math and I love physics and as of right now I...
  43. Math Is Hard

    Medical Behavioral neuroscience, neural connections, synapses

    I was watching a film in my behavioral neuroscience class yesterday and it showed a connection between neurons forming. (not an animation, this was filmed using a microscope) You could actually see an axon and dendrite moving closer and closer together. Then when they got close enough they...
  44. S

    Programs Physics and neuroscience major

    I was wondering if anyone out there knows someone who is involved in both fields? I'm curious if there is any areas of neuroscience that a physicist would be involved in, it sounds like it would be an interesting area of study. Thanks :approve:
  45. B

    Medical Understanding Motor and Sensory Aphasia: Causes, Symptoms, and Prognosis

    I'm absolutely clueless so please help if you can... - What is the difference between a motor and sensory aphasia? - What happens to the pupil reflex in a patient with contical blindness? - If a patient has a meningioma in the dura of the falx cerebri at the level of the precentral...
  46. N

    Medical JC #6: Computational Neuroscience Papers

    M&B Journal Club: I hope this will be thread #6, if not please rename it appropriately. Date: First week of Sept 06. Topic: Computational Neuroscience Papers Papers: I will attempt to present 2(maybe 3 papers) on the topic above, all models using Neural nets. The first Paper deals with...
  47. N

    Programs Major Deciding Between Biochemistry and MCB for Neuroscience

    I currently a Freshman in Biology and I'm interested in neuroscience. What should I major in: Biochemistry or Molecular and Cellular Biology? I'm leaning towards the latter but I'd like some help deciding. Thanks for the help :smile:
  48. N

    Mathematica So anybody interested in Mathematical/Computational Neuroscience?

    What the title says. Best Jack
  49. A

    Reading Material for Neuroscience, Genetics, Biochem

    I have a working knowledge of Neuroscience, but I disire to learn more, also id like to start gather knowledge on Genetics and Biochem... if someone can please suggest good informational reading material on Neuroscience, or an Introduction to Genetics/Biochem. that would be very helpfull. Thanks...
  50. V

    Someone can tell me why neuroscience

    someone can tell me why neuroscience ? What is its actual advantages ? Thanks
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