Subject: Science: Natural & Physical

The Brain: An Owner's Manual Series

Everyone has a brain, but how much do we really know about how it works? In this 10-part Stanford University telecourse, instructor Joel Benington provides us with an in-depth investigation into the structure and function of the human brain. Produced by the Stanford University Channel. Programs available on 10 individual DVDs, Digital Streaming Files or Videos; also in a 10-Disc Set. For pricing call in US: 800.876.2447/Intl. 603.434.9262 or e-mail

List of Titles

1. Overview and Introduction to Basic Brain Functions

Professor Joel Benington introduces his 10-part telecourse on the brain and provides viewers with an in-depth overview to basic brain functions. CHAPTERS: 1 - Introduction; 2 - Demystifying Science; 3 - Lamettrie. 2010DR/CL SCA 90 min. Click for more

2. How Neurons Work

In this second part of a 10-part telecourse, Professor Joel Benington helps clarify the complex role that neurons and chemicals play in the structure and function of the human brain. CHAPTERS: 1 - Introduction; 2 - Periodic Table of Elements; 3 - Proteins. 2010DR/CL SCA 90 min. Click for more

3. How Neurons Communicate With Each Other

In Part 3 of his in-depth telecourse, Professor Joel Benington delves into the fascinating and intriguing process of the brain turning reality into perception. CHAPTERS: 1 - Introduction; 2 - Sodium & Potassium Ion Channels; 3 - Glia Brain Cells. 2010DR/CL SCA 90 min. Click for more

4. Touch, Taste and Smell

In Part 4 of his in-depth telecourse, Professor Joel Benington "comes to his senses," focusing on how the brain affects a human's touch, taste and smell. CHAPTERS: 1 - Introduction; 2 - Senses; 3 - Smell. 2010DR/CL SCA 90 min. Click for more

5. How We See and Hear

Professor Joel Benington expands on his in-depth investigation of the brain and human senses. In Part 4 his focus is on how the brain functions in helping humans see and hear. CHAPTERS: 1 - Introduction; 2 - Vision; 3 - Color Blindness. 2010DR/CL SCA 90 min. Click for more

6. Higher Order Sensory Processing

Professor Joel Benington discusses pathways of information: how the brain feels, hears and sees; plus higher order sensory processing. Lecture topics include: neuronatomy, somatosensory processing, auditory and visual processing. CHAPTERS: 1 - Introduction; 2 - Color & Vision; 3 - Neuro-Transmitters. 2010DR/CL SCA Click for more

7. Sleep and Waking; Pleasure and Pain

Professor Joel Benington discusses sleep, waking and the biological clock; then vigilance, arousal and attention to detail; lastly, pleasure and pain, motivation, Parkinsonism, schizophrenia and addiction. CHAPTERS: 1 - Introduction; 2 - Unconsciousness; 3 - Dopamine; 4 - Reward; 5 - Alcohol; 6 - Emotion. 2010DR/CL Click for more

8. Brain Development and Memory

In Part 8 of his in-depth telecourse, Professor Joel Benington focuses on Brain Development and Memory, discussing how memory is created and stored. CHAPTERS: 1 - Introduction; 2 - Neuron Competition; 3 - Memory. 2010DR/CL SCA 90 min. Click for more

9. The Aging Brain: Left-Brain/Right Brain Differences

In Part 9 of his in-depth telecourse, Professor Joel Benington explores how the human brain ages and the left-brain/right-brain dichotomy. CHAPTERS: 1 - Introduction; 2 - Memory; 3 - Left-Brain/Right-Brain. 2010DR/CL SCA 90 min. Click for more

10. Language and Consciousness

Professor Joel Benington concludes his 10-part telecourse by observing how we communicate, with a specific focus on spoken language; plus a discussion on consciousness and the brain. CHAPTERS: 1 - Introduction; 2 - Schizophrenia; 3 - Enigma. 2010DR/CL SCA 90 min. Click for more