Neuroanatomy and Systems Neuroscience Analysis
8 weeks · 0 milestones
Analyse the structural or functional neuroanatomy of a specific neural system or brain region using real neuroimaging data from a named open dataset — OpenNeuro (free), Human Connectome Project (free), or Allen Brain Atlas (free). Alternatively, produce a documented systems neuroscience literature synthesis using PRISMA methodology, focusing on a specific circuit or system (visual system, hippocampal-cortical memory network, basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical loop, or equivalent). The proof is the analysis report or PRISMA synthesis, documenting the data source, analysis methodology or search strategy, and interpretations with primary literature support. Both routes are fully accessible to students without neuroimaging equipment. Reviewed by a neuroscientist who presents an unseen neuroimaging image or anatomical cross-section during the review session and asks you to identify specific structures and describe the functional circuits connecting them — requiring spatial anatomical knowledge, not just familiarity with names.
Milestone map
Milestone map
3 milestones
Choose a specific neural system or circuit and formulate a precise analytical question about its anatomical organisation or functional connectivity. Accessible alternative: all routes for this outcome use freely available neuroanatomical atlases and open neuroimaging datasets — no physical laboratory access is required. The Allen Brain Atlas provides detailed human and mouse brain connectivity data; the Human Connectome Project provides open-access structural and functional MRI datasets; OpenNeuro provides freely deposited neuroimaging data across many species and experimental designs.
Proof required
Submit your neural system selection, your specific analytical question (what aspect of anatomical organisation or functional connectivity you will investigate), your identified data source (Allen Brain Atlas, HCP, OpenNeuro, or published connectivity data with accession number), and a brief description of the biological significance of your chosen system — why this system's organisation is important for understanding neural function.
What gets checked
- Neural system is specific — not 'the brain' or 'the limbic system' but a defined circuit or pathway (e.g., 'the hippocampal-entorhinal circuit involved in spatial navigation and memory consolidation')
- Analytical question is answerable from the data source identified — the question must be matched to what the dataset actually contains
- Biological significance statement connects the anatomical question to a functional or clinical relevance — why does the organisation of this system matter?