# Computational and Mathematical Methods for Neuroscience
## 2 Fields of Neuroscience
### Experimental Neuroscience  
Experimental neuroscience, distinct from theoretical approaches, is centered on empirical studies that directly observe, manipulate, and measure neural function and behavior. This hands-on branch of neuroscience encompasses several key subfields, each focused on specific aspects of the brain and nervous system.  
Clinical neuroscience targets neurological, psychiatric, and neurodevelopmental disorders, facilitating collaborations among neurologists, psychiatrists, and neuroscientists to advance diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies.  
Cellular and molecular neuroscience delves into the structure and function of individual neurons, exploring processes such as synaptic transmission, plasticity, and the role of molecular components like neurotransmitters, ion channels, and genetic factors. This foundational research provides insights into the basic units of neural activity.  
Systems neuroscience investigates how neural circuits and larger brain systems organize and function, analyzing interactions across brain regions and networks that enable complex capabilities like sensory processing, motor coordination, and emotional regulation.  
Developmental neuroscience examines the processes governing nervous system development from embryonic stages through adulthood, including neurogenesis, cell differentiation, and synaptic formation, as well as the effects of genetic and environmental factors on brain maturation.  
Cognitive neuroscience studies the neural basis of higher-order cognitive functions, including perception, memory, language, and decision-making. This field often employs neuroimaging techniques such as EEG, MEG, MRI, PET, and fMRI to link brain activity with cognitive processes.  
Behavioral neuroscience explores the relationship between neural mechanisms and behavior, investigating how alterations in the brain--whether from injury, disease, or experimental manipulation--impact behavior and psychological processes.  
Sensory neuroscience focuses on the neural interpretation of sensory information from the external environment, examining how sensory systems like vision, hearing, and touch process and respond to stimuli.  
Social neuroscience examines the neural underpinnings of social behaviors, such as empathy, cooperation, and social decision-making, integrating methodologies from psychology, biology, and neuroscience to understand interpersonal and group dynamics.  
Affective neuroscience investigates how the brain processes emotions such as admiration, adoration, aesthetic appreciation, amusement, anger, anxiety, awe, awkwardness, boredom, calm, caring, confusion, craving, disgust, empathic pain, fascination, excitement, fear, horror, interest, joy, lust, nostalgia, play, relief, romance, sadness, satisfaction, seeking, sexual desire, surprise, etc., which are common to all mammals and evolutionarily defined as tools for survival and, in general, fitness.  
Social neuroscience and affective neuroscience apply traditional neuroimaging techniques used in experimental neuroscience (e.g., EEG, MEG, and fMRI) to better understand the neural and psychological mechanisms underlying human behavior.  
Neuroengineering combines engineering principles with neuroscience to create innovative tools and technologies for studying and manipulating the nervous system, including brain-machine interfaces, neuroprosthetics, and neurostimulation devices.  
Each of these branches can also benefit from theoretical neuroscience through the application of mathematical models, computational algorithms, and statistical analyses. Integrating theoretical and experimental approaches allows researchers to investigate the nervous system at all levels, from molecules to behavior, building a comprehensive picture of how the brain enables perception, thought, emotion, and action. Collectively, these subfields deepen our understanding of the brain and hold transformative potential for both medicine and technology, advancing our ability to address neurological disorders and improve human health.