Neuroscience
The scientific study concerned with the structure, function, development, genetics, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Neuroscience focuses chiefly on an investigation of the brain and central nervous systems, with special focus on how we perceive and interact with the external world, and how human experience and biology influence each other. The scope of neuroscience has become very broad over the last two decades, signaling a convergence of interest in the fields of psychology, computer science, statistics, physics, medicine, sociology and economics. There are several sub-specialties within the field of neuroscience. Cognitive neuroscience addresses questions regarding how psychological and cognitive functions are produced by neural circuitry, and vice-versa. Social neuroscience focuses on the brain’s interaction with the environment. The term neurobiology is sometimes confused with neuroscience. The former term refers to the biology of the nervous system, and the latter term refers to the science of neural circuitries and their relationship to mental and physical functions in the human body and the surrounding environment.