<p>I think you should reverse your approach.  Rather than trying to find every prerequisite, start reading sections of PNS and as you encounter something you don't understand, look up the background information.  It's an exhaustive work (and well worth reading!) but you're going to find different sections require different levels of background.  For example, the section on ion channels requires a bit of E&amp;M physics, and the section(s) on neurotransmitters will make more sense with some basic organic chem.</p>

<p>If you get through some of it and feel like you need more of the basics, a book like <a href="http://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/0781760038" rel="nofollow">Bear's</a> is a bit more accessible.</p>

<p>There's <a href="http://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/0838522459" rel="nofollow">another version</a> of Kandel (it's probably older than you are, but your library might be able to get it) that takes a slower approach.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-10-05T08:33:12.937Z
I think the question is a little broad, so if anyone has any ideas on how to transform it into something more canonical, go for it.
Chuck Sherrington
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-10-06T04:56:56.040Z
Thanks Chuck.  I'll take your advice and reference material as I go along.  That's the best way to learn anyway.
akuryo
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-10-05T08:30:06.997Z
2014-10-06T20:12:12.770Z
2014-10-06T20:12:12.770Z
Chuck Sherrington
<p>Basic concepts of biochemistry and some knowledge of general biology (mainly, general cytology) are sufficient (Chem1A and Bio1A would be fine); some specific chapter requires a little more advanced knowledge of molecular biology and human physiology, but nothing "over the top".</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-10-09T19:17:21.390Z
Exactly what I sought.  Thank you.
akuryo
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-10-09T14:59:48.577Z
2014-10-09T14:59:48.577Z
L.Pezzullo
<p>What is the necessary background to read this book and comprehend it?  I've taken Calc I-II, Chem 1A and Bio 1A.  Is this enough?</p>

<neuroscience>
What background is required to understand the book "Principles of Neural Science"?
akuryo
# What background is required to understand the book "Principles of Neural Science"?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-10-05)

What is the necessary background to read this book and comprehend it? I've taken Calc I-II, Chem 1A and Bio 1A. Is this enough?

**Tags:** neuroscience


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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2014-10-05. Score: 5

I think you should reverse your approach. Rather than trying to find every prerequisite, start reading sections of PNS and as you encounter something you don't understand, look up the background information. It's an exhaustive work (and well worth reading!) but you're going to find different sections require different levels of background. For example, the section on ion channels requires a bit of E&M physics, and the section(s) on neurotransmitters will make more sense with some basic organic chem.

If you get through some of it and feel like you need more of the basics, a book like [Bear's](http://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/0781760038) is a bit more accessible.

There's [another version](http://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/0838522459) of Kandel (it's probably older than you are, but your library might be able to get it) that takes a slower approach.

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: I think the question is a little broad, so if anyone has any ideas on how to transform it into something more canonical, go for it.  
> **username_0**: Thanks Chuck.  I'll take your advice and reference material as I go along.  That's the best way to learn anyway.  

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### Answer by username_2 on 2014-10-09. Score: 1

Basic concepts of biochemistry and some knowledge of general biology (mainly, general cytology) are sufficient (Chem1A and Bio1A would be fine); some specific chapter requires a little more advanced knowledge of molecular biology and human physiology, but nothing "over the top".

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Exactly what I sought.  Thank you.  

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