Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. It is a multidisciplinary science that combines physiology, anatomy, molecular biology, developmental biology, cytology, computer science and mathematical modeling to understand the fundamental and emergent properties of neurons, glia and neural circuits. The understanding of the biological basis of learning, memory, behavior, perception, and consciousness has been described by Eric Kandel as the “epic challenge” of the biological sciences.
The scope of neuroscience has broadened over time to include different approaches used to study the nervous system at different scales. The techniques used by neuroscientists have expanded enormously, from molecular and cellular studies of individual neurons to imaging of sensory, motor and cognitive tasks in the brain.
The modern business environment is constantly evolving. As a result of this rapid change, there’s an increase in the amount of information that needs to be processed and problems that need to be solved. Now, more than ever, there is a demand for resilient and agile leaders who can effectively adapt to change and drive innovation.
Although business leaders do not have control over the external factors impacting their businesses, they can prepare themselves and their organizations to better respond to, and navigate through, change. The Neuroscience for Business online short course takes a scientific approach to leadership. Drawing on the importance of neuroscience principles like neuroplasticity, it looks at promoting organizational and personal resilience, leadership development, and business performance.
Gain an in-depth understanding of the brain and the tools you need to rewire it to maximize your leadership potential. Over six weeks, you’ll learn how to change and refine the way you think, in order to enhance how you engage with and motivate others, and boost personal and organizational performance. With key insights from industry experts, you’ll gain a better understanding of the areas for improvement in your business, and create a strategy that maps out your vision for your organization, as well as the steps required to achieve it.
In addition to conducting traditional research in laboratory settings, neuroscientists have also been involved in the promotion of awareness and knowledge about the nervous system among the general public and government officials. Such promotions have been done by both individual neuroscientists and large organizations. For example, individual neuroscientists have promoted neuroscience education among young students by organizing the International Brain Bee, which is an academic competition for high school or secondary school students worldwide. In the United States, large organizations such as the Society for Neuroscience have promoted neuroscience education by developing a primer called Brain Facts, collaborating with public school teachers to develop Neuroscience Core Concepts for K-12 teachers and students, and cosponsoring a campaign with the Dana Foundation called Brain Awareness Week to increase public awareness about the progress and benefits of brain research. In Canada, the CIHR Canadian National Brain Bee is held annually at McMaster University.
Neuroscience educators formed Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience (FUN) in 1992 to share best practices and provide travel awards for undergraduates presenting at Society for Neuroscience meetings.