Prof. Gabrieli's neuroscience lab uses tools like this fMRI scanner to study how the brain makes the mind. (Photo by MIT OpenCourseWare.)
OCW Scholar courses are designed specifically for OCW's single largest audience: independent learners. These courses are substantially more complete than typical OCW courses, and include new custom-created content as well as materials repurposed from previously published courses. Click here for a complete list of OCW Scholar courses.
Course Description
Course Features
Educator Features
Course Description
This course is a survey of the scientific study of human nature, including how the mind works, and how the brain supports the mind. Topics include the mental and neural bases of perception, emotion, learning, memory, cognition, child development, personality, psychopathology, and social interaction. Students will consider how such knowledge relates to debates about nature and nurture, free will, consciousness, human differences, self, and society.
Course Format
This course has been designed for independent study. It includes all of the materials you will need to understand the concepts covered in this subject. The materials in this course include:
- A full set of Lecture Videos by Prof. John Gabrieli.
- Reading Assignments in several books, including one free online textbook and detailed notes on another book.
- Assorted multiple choice and short answer questions to Check Yourself on the material in each session.
- Supporting Discussion content that elaborates on the lectures and reading.
- A rich collection of online resources for Further Study on each session's topics.
- A full set of Exams with solution keys, and extra practice questions for review.
Other Versions
Other OCW Versions
OCW has published multiple versions of this subject. 