What is neuroscience?
The study of the nervous system — and the many fields it connects.
Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system — how we think, feel, move, learn, remember, sleep, sense the world, and respond to it. It connects many fields: biology, psychology, medicine, engineering, computer science, and education. There is no single path in.
What has your brain already done today?
Select one or more — you can pick several.
Diagram
Zooming out: the levels neuroscience studies
Notice that the same question can be asked at six different scales — and that neuroscience needs all of them.
Neurons: A single cell: how it collects inputs and sends its own signal onward.
One Brain, Many Lenses
Neuroscientists often approach the same question from completely different directions. Select a field to see what it brings to the investigation.
One Moment, Five Neuroscience Questions
Explore all five lenses.
Everyday scenario
You are learning a new dance routine.
Select a field to see the question a researcher might ask.
Think Like a Neuroscientist
Select a research question, then choose the field that fits it best.
Question 1 of 5
How do genes influence the development of neurons?
Three Key Takeaways
- 1Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system — the brain, spinal cord, and the networks of nerve cells throughout the body.
- 2The nervous system can be studied at many levels, from molecules and cells to whole behaviors and experiences, and each level answers different questions.
- 3Neuroscience connects many fields — biology, psychology, medicine, computer science, and more — so there are many paths into studying the brain.