April 10th, 2020

EQ: How does the infant brain structure work?

Understanding the fundamentals of the brain and its properties has definitely prepared me for the fundamentals of neuroscience course that I am taking with Harvard University. So far this week I have been taking an introductory class on the electrical properties of the neuron by first studying the resting neuron. Though physics has always been a little challenging for me, I have learned that electricity is the fundamental method by which neurons can communicate. A neuron at rest is simply one that is not involved in any electrical signaling. Deviations from “resting potential” are how electrical signaling in neurons occurs. The course has been useful in the sense that it allows students to ask questions in discussion boards and engage in a number of problems before moving forward, similarly to Khan Academy. Note Taking has really helped me succeed in the mini-quizzes I have taken. Through this course, I have learned how electrostatic forces and diffusion play a key role when analyzing how ions exist and behave, as well as the main parts of the neuron so far. The course is organized in a very cohesive way, which makes it easy to follow and build up to the more challenging concepts. When I am confused, I take some time to review some notes or do some additional research on a topic I am not quite familiar with. I have also found it useful to do some engaging activities such as crosswords, diagrams, and coloring to better retain information about the different properties of the brain. I have attached some notes from my course as well as some puzzles!