Introduction to Neuroscience and Biological Bases of Behaviour

What the resources cover

The listed material starts with the building blocks of the nervous system. The flashcard deck SD329 Block 1 & 2 Definitions runs through the neuron, glial cells, afferent and efferent pathways, the cerebral cortex, the brain stem, the cerebellum and the four lobes. BMSC335 Lecture 1 Week 1 adds anatomical direction terms such as dorsal, ventral, anterior and lateral.

From there the page moves to how neurons work. The quiz Behavioral Neuroscience Exam 1 opens with membrane potential, and the mind map The Neuron sits alongside others on action potentials, synaptic transmission and neuropharmacology.

Where to start

1. Begin with a definitions deck such as SD329 Block 1 & 2 Definitions to learn the vocabulary.
2. Open a broad mind map, for example Introduction to Brain and Behaviour, to see how the topics connect.
3. Try Behavioral Neuroscience Exam 1 or Biopsychology MCQs to check what stuck.
4. Move on to the topic maps, such as Reward and Addiction and Neuroplasticity.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a map first, then take a quiz on the same topic. Where you get an answer wrong, go back to the branch of the map that covers it. The biopsychology quizzes include emotional responses and the autonomic component, while Hemispheric Lateralization & Specialisation (Hemispheric Asymmetry) pairs well with the flashcards on split-brain research in Survey of Neural Basis.

If you want to practise longer written answers, the flowchart on dopamine, motivation and reinforcement learning in addiction sets out an essay plan. Some resources mention A-level Psychology, so they may suit that kind of revision too.

Where this unit sits

This unit belongs to the Foundations of Neuroscience strand within the Neuroscience subject. It is the place to build the base before moving to more specialised topics.

Teachers can use the decks and quizzes as ready-made starter material for a class. Choose one resource that matches your next topic and work through it today.