By Katie Siddall
30 years since the first publication of Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain, the book that helped define neuroscience education, a new Fifth Edition by authors Mark Bear, Barry Connors and Michael A Paradiso has arrived!
As ever, Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain delivers a comprehensive, student-friendly introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system. The Fifth Edition has been thoroughly updated to reflect the latest research and advances. It blends foundational science with real-world applications – making it especially effective for introductory courses in neuroscience, biological psychology and related fields across psychology, biology and allied health departments.
This edition stands out for its clarity, adaptability and practical relevance. Complex material is made more accessible through expanded illustrations, an approachable tone and thoughtful pedagogy that supports a range of learning styles. For instructors, features such as structured Learning Objectives and refreshed boxed content help streamline planning and improve alignment with course outcomes.
Here are a few key updates included in the upcoming Fifth Edition:
- Revised content to reflect recent discoveries and current trends in neuroscience
- Fully updated and revised boxed features
- NEW Learning Objectives at the start of each chapter
- NEW Neuroscience and Medicine boxes expand upon medically relevant material
To help instructors transition from the Fourth Edition, a detailed Transition Guide is available – highlighting changes and new features chapter by chapter. If you would like to learn more, please consult the Transition Guide or contact us, at [email protected], to request a copy. You can also request an inspection copy to evaluate ahead of your next course or module.
What better way to mark three decades of neuroscience education than with a revitalized edition that speaks to today’s learners?
Grounded in rigorous science and developed by leaders in the field, this edition reflects the evolving landscape of neuroscience and the needs of today’s students and educators.
One of those leaders is Dr. Mark Bear, Picower Professor of Neuroscience at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Prior to joining MIT in 2003, Bear spent 17 years on the faculty at Brown University and held the Sidney and Dorothy Doctors Fox Chair in Visual Neuroscience. He was also a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator for over two decades and served as Director of the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory.
With Bear’s continued leadership and commitment to neuroscience education, the Fifth Edition offers a thoroughly modern update to a trusted classic, balancing foundational science with real-world relevance for today’s students and instructors.
Find out more about Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain here.