Module 2: Biological Basis of Behavior

Imagine if you switched brains with your best friend, and from this point forward, every memory, emotion, and experience you once had no longer exists to you. How would this make you feel? How would it change who you are as a person?

The brain creates and holds our emotions, memories, personality, and thoughts. Think about it: you are your brain. This organ is arguably the most complex and fascinating object on Earth.

The Ancient Greeks referred to the heart as the seat of one’s emotions and personality. Many sayings exist like, “she broke my heart” or “my heart is aching,” referring to our emotions. But we know the heart does not hold our emotions, dreams, or desires. The brain performs these functions.

In order to better understand yourself, you must understand how your brain works. This module explains how the brain functions by first taking you through the nervous system, where you will encounter the smallest parts of the brain: neurons and neurotransmitters. You will then learn about other integral parts of the brain.

Getting Started

Scientists have called the brain "the last frontier,” because many believe the potential of the human brain has yet to be fully explored and discovered.

The United States government has teamed up with an elite group of scientists for a project called The BRAIN Initiative.The team hopes to understand the human brain's potential and uncover new ways to treat, cure, and prevent brain disorders like Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s, autism, and schizophrenia.

Key Vocabulary

To view the definitions for these vocabulary terms, visit the course glossary.