Computational Neuroscience (Spring 2001)

Psych 650/450 (CS cross-listing: TBA)

Prof. Akaysha Tang
akaysha@unm.edu
Tel: 277-4025 (office)

• Overview

  The goal of computational neuroscience is viewed as understanding how neural processes give rise to cognition. This course introduces students to basic concepts and tools in computational neuroscience through a combination of lectures, weekly homework exercises, and a final project selected by students in their own area of interest.

• Text

  The text, Computational Explorations in Cognitive Neuroscience, Understanding the Mind by Simulating the Brain by Randall C. O'Reilly and Yuko Munakata (MIT Press, 2000) is an excellent book that stands out from other neural network text in that it integrates the introduction of basic concepts with hands-on exercise; it offers specific instructions for downloading simulators with exercises for a platform of your choice.

  The book can be ordered directly through MIT Press. I strongly recommend you do so as soon as you decide that you are going to take the course. I also recommend that you download the simulation environment for your computer from MIT Press (http://mitpress.mit.edu, search for the book title) no later than the first week of school.

• Organization

  The course is divided into two parts: (1) introduction to basic concepts and tools in computational neuroscience; (2) application of concepts and tools to the understanding of specific cognitive functions.

  Part I: Chapter 1-7 (lectures and weekly homework exercises)

  1. Chapter 1: Introduction and Overview.
  2. Chapter 2: Individual neurons.
  3. Chapter 3: Networks of neurons.
  4. Chapter 4: Hebbian model learning.
  5. Chapter 5: Error-driven task learning.
  6. Chapter 6: Combined model and task learning.
  7. Chapter 7: Large scale brain area functional organization.

  Part II: Chapter 8-11 (student presentation and project development)

  1. Chapter 8: Perception and attention.
  2. Chapter 9: Memory.
  3. Chapter 10: Language.
  4. Chapter 11: Higher-level cognition.
  5. Chapter 12: Conclusions.

  The text will be followed closely. For an overview of the material to be covered, a copy of the table of content is currently available at the Psychology Main Office, located on the first floor of Logan Hall.

• Evaluation

  All students are expected to read the text prior to each lecture and complete weekly homework. Final project proposals are due at the first class after the spring break. Students are encouraged to discuss the project proposal as well as their presentation with me as early as possible and no later than one week before their due date.

  The final grade will be based on a combination of homework exercise, class attendance, and the final project.