Introduction to Computational Neuroscience (MECH 550)
This 3-credit course provides an introduction to selected topics in Computational Neuroscience, a discipline in which the tools of mathematics and computing are applied to understanding the mechanisms of perception, memory, behaviour and consciousness. Topics that may be covered include:
- What is computation and is the brain a computer?
- Biophysics of individual nerve cell function
- Overview of the brain and cerebral cortex anatomy
- Models of learning and modifiable synapses
- Modelling simple networks of biologically realistic neurons
- Review of different classes of artificial neural network, including Hopfield nets, back-propagation nets, Willshaw associative nets, Kohonen self-organising nets, and their application to neurobiological problems
- Models of information processing in the visual system
- Neurobiologically inspired theories of consciousness
The class is structured in a student-presentation based seminar format. It's recommended that students have a background in at least one, and preferably more, of the following areas: computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering, psychology and neuroscience.
Grading is based on:
- Presentations during the course
- Presentation of a project at the end of the term
- A written examination
For further information, contact:
Nicholas Swindale, Professor
Dept. of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
E-mail: (@interchange.ubc.ca) swindale
Tel: 604-875-5379