About this course
Athletic performance depends on how the body and brain adapt. While muscles undergo hypertrophy to increase strength and stability, the brain adapts to improve timing, speed, motor coordination, perceptual ability, and real-time decision-making—critical skills in high-pressure competitive environments. Now, researchers can study brain activity during actual performance, revealing the neural efficiency that separates novices from elite athletes. But with “neurodoping” (non-invasive brain stimulation) on the rise to enhance performance, there are new ethical and regulatory challenges ahead. Through this course, you will learn to understand neural mechanisms, evaluate research techniques, assess emerging technologies and methods, and debate ethical implications.
Syllabus
Fall 2027
This is a primary syllabus. The final syllabus will be available here a few days prior to the new course’s first start date.
Go to syllabusPrerequisites
One course in neuroscience, neuropsychology, cognitive psychology, or biological psychology at the university level.
