For a long time, how the brain and nervous system in general function remained unknown. Thus, before starting to study neuroscience, it is important to recap a few fundamental concepts.

This first module addresses several aspects that are common to most branches of neuroscience, namely:

• the anatomy of the brain and the nervous system;
• the peripheral nervous system;
• neurogenesis and the formation of nerve connections;
• the anatomy of a neuron and its mode of operation;
• the study of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, as well as their scope of action;
• the notion of neuroplasticity and its impact on the functioning of the nervous system.

The main aim of studying neuroscience is to improve our cognitive capacities. The areas of application include memory and learning. These areas help to optimize the education system and support people who suffer from memory problems.

In this second module, we will address the following:

• memory and its structure (encoding, storage, retrieval of information);
• the different forms of memory (short-term memory, long-term memory, sensory register) and their modes of operation;
• the behavioral and cognitive evaluations of memory (neuropsychological evaluation);
• different tests for evaluating memory;
• techniques to improve memory.

Learning needs to take the subject’s personality into consideration: their age, skills and interests. Learning is a constructive and active process that is linked to that of memory. It is a gradual operation that harnesses previously acquired knowledge.

This third module addresses the following topics:

• learning and its modalities;
• Hebb’s theory (cell assembly theory), its importance and its application;
• the different techniques for learning (associative, non-associative, pedagogical, role-play, etc.);
• how to improve learning systems using neuroscience.

Attention is a significant cognitive concept. Without it, no other cognitive element would be possible. Understanding this process helps to reveal how many other cognitive functions work.

In this fourth module, we will study the following:

• the different forms of attention;
• the development of attention from birth to adulthood;
• the difference between attention and concentration;
• the cognitive disorders and problems linked to attention;
• the tests used to evaluate attention;
• techniques for improving attention.

Language development is one of the most complex cognitive processes, because it calls upon other important functions like memory, learning and attention. Neuroscience makes it possible to understand how individuals form connections with their environment through the means of communication.

In this fifth module, you will discover:

• the foundations of language (functional anatomy and neurophysiology);
• the mechanisms of language development;
• linguistic theories;
• language and communication (psychology of language, in-depth study of linguistics, psychology of communication, communication models, etc.);
• language disorders (genetic, physiological and psychological origins);
• evolution and treatment of these disorders;
• techniques to improve language and communication.

Emotions are the individual’s reaction to stimuli in their environment. It is essential to understand emotions, their origin and how they are perceived in cognitive neuroscience.

This sixth module addresses:

• the psychophysiology of emotions and their origins;
• the ways of expressing emotions (decoding the world around us, cognition, formation of personality and expression of emotions);
• contemporary theories on the origins of emotions;
• emotional development and the difficulties individuals may face;
• appraisal theory (differentiation of emotions);
• the link between culture and perception of others’ emotions.

Addictions represent one of the most complex areas of cognitive neuroscience. This is a crucial topic because the number of addictions and sources that can cause addiction is only increasing. Indeed, some forms of dependence that exist today were completely unknown or unimaginable just two or three decades ago.

In this seventh module, you will study:

• the physiological mechanism of addictions;
• the different types of addiction and their specific characteristics;
• psychoactive substances and behavioral addictions;
• tests that can help to assess whether someone may have an addiction;
• the different factors that can lead to addiction (genetic, family, psychological, social, etc.)

The previous module examined the different types of addiction, addictive substances and activities, and their action on the brain. In this eighth module, we will focus on neuropsychological assessment of addictions and the treatment options.

You will study:

• the different forms of screening;
• the different treatments available (medication-based, withdrawal, therapeutic, etc.);
• how to prevent relapse;
• motivational treatment.

Conferences on motivation, lectures on motivation, seminars on motivation… It is no surprise that all these events exist. What’s more, companies spend thousands each year to attend them. Why is there such an interest in these practices, and what does cognitive neuroscience contribute to motivation techniques?

In this ninth module, you will discover:

• the anatomical aspect of motivation;
• the psychological aspect of motivation;
• the origins of motivation;
• theories and principles of motivation (dependent and independent);
• the theory of needs according to Maslow, Alderfer and McClelland;
• the different forms of motivation and their concrete impact;
• Effective motivation methods and the myths these are sometimes associated with.

All sciences need a practical field. Interest in brain processes would be low if it were not for their many practical applications.

Thus, this tenth and final module examines the concrete applications of cognitive neuroscience, including:

• sleep, which is vital for the body;
• the importance of a balanced diet for brain function;
• how physical exercise can improve the cognitive faculties;
• how arts and hobbies can stimulate the cognitive faculties;
• how neuroscience can be applied in education;
• how neuroscience can be applied in the professional sphere, specifically in business.