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Brain Story Certification

Learn the scientific underpinnings of the Brain Story from leading experts and be eligible for credits.

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What You’ll Learn

Lifelong health is influenced by more than just our genes. Experiences during sensitive periods of development can shape the brain in ways that either increase or reduce the risk of future physical and mental health issues, including addiction. This foundational insight is the core of the Brain Story, a compelling narrative that translates complex scientific research into accessible concepts for all audiences. 

The Brain Story synthesizes decades of research and represents a body of knowledge that experts agree is essential for policymakers, educators, healthcare professionals, and the public at large to understand. It highlights how early experiences impact lifelong well-being and underscores the importance of nurturing healthy development.

The Alberta Family Wellness Initiative (AFWI) has created this online course to make Brain Story science accessible to a broad audience, from professionals to the public. The Brain Story Certification is ideal for those seeking a deeper understanding of brain development and its implications for lifelong health. It also serves professionals across various fields who want to incorporate this knowledge into their practice.

Have questions or want more details? Feel free to contact us, we’re happy to assist! Contact us.

NOW ACCESSIBLE IN BOTH ENGLISH AND FRENCH

Participants asked for a French-language version of the course, and now that's available too. Thanks to the generous support of the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), the entire course has been translated, so you can opt to learn in either English or French.

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The Course

BRST 101

Brain story certification

Enroll Now

Need help? Email us.
brainstory@palixfoundation.org

Brain story certification

A free, in-depth course for anyone who wants to learn more about the science of brain development.

  • Videos of more than 30 leading experts in neurobiology and mental health
  • Certification in Brain Story science
  • 20 modules self-paced 

Brain Story Certification is a course endorsed by our Curriculum Committee. For a comprehensive description of the course contents, download the course outline.

Looking for more detailed information? Find our Feedback Report here. 

Brain Story Certification is open to anyone at no cost to the learner.

WHAT GRADUATES SAY

Find out how recent graduates of the Brain Story Certification course are applying this knowledge in their lives, families, and communities. Watch all 6 videos below.

Compilation: The Brain Story is Everyone’s Story
Brain Story Certification Graduates: Fresh Start Recovery Centre
The Family Centre: Brain Story in Practice
Brain Story Certification Graduate: Dr. Teresa Killam
Brain Story Certification Graduates: Big Brothers Big Sisters
Brain Story Certification Graduate: Charlton Weasel Head

“We're going to get a better idea of what trauma in the brain really is.”

Charlton Weasel Head
Kainai High School

"We can find real, meaningful solutions for addiction and other community problems."

Roger Chaffin
Calgary Police Service

"So much could change if everybody knew about the Brain Story."

Kesa Shikaze
Government of Alberta

"It's an accessible and amazing way to learn how to become a trauma-informed care provider."

Dr. Teresa E. Killam, MD, CCFP, MEd
Riley Park Maternity Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Course for Me?

Brain Story Certification provides detailed scientific information for those seeking a deeper understanding of brain development and its consequences for lifelong health. The course is challenging, but is designed to be interesting and comprehensible to many people, with or without a science background. This course is designed primarily for individuals seeking certification in professions such as health care, policy-making, academia, justice, education, social work, and child care. However, anyone interested in brain development, mental health, and addiction is likely to find the content interesting and is encouraged to enroll.

Who teaches the content?

The course faculty for Brain Story Certification comprises 39 of North America's and Europe’s leading experts in neurobiological development and its connection to physical and mental health, including addiction. Their video lectures are excerpts from Symposia hosted in Alberta between 2010 and 2014. 

Who is providing this course?

The Brain Story course is provided by the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative (AFWI) and its parent organization, the Palix Foundation (a private philanthropic organization based in Alberta, Canada).

What are the prerequisites?

There are no prerequisites for the course. Learners may find the content in the What We Know section of this website to be useful background information.

Is the course graded?

Learners seeking certification will need to pass multiple-choice evaluation questions at the end of each module.

To earn certification, learners must answer 100% of the questions correctly. However, numerous attempts to answer the multiple-choice evaluation questions are permitted in Brain Story Certification. Learners who are not seeking certification may choose to participate in some or all of the evaluation, or may skip the questions and focus exclusively on the learning content.

What kind of time commitment is required?

Each module includes videotaped lectures from our expert faculty, some reading and completion of a quiz.  The time it takes to complete the course varies from participant to participant.

Are the modules accessible for individuals who are hearing impaired?

Yes, transcripts are available for all modules to support accessibility for individuals who are hearing impaired, ensuring that the content is accessible and inclusive for everyone.