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ASEN 5436: Brains, Minds, and Computers
Description
Addresses four related issues: How the brain works from both a bioelectrical and a computer point of view, how to use computers to simulate and better understand brain function, how principles of brain organization and neural signal processing apply to artificial neural network functions, and how sensory input compares in brains and computers. The largest portion of the course covers the first issue from a "hardware vs. wetware" standpoint. It first approaches brain function at the molecular and cellular level, then builds to the neural network and sensory information processing levels. Realistic neural simulations are featured, as are "biologically inspired" artificial neural network designs. Same as ECEN 5831.
Outline
- Course Intro -- Intersections of Brains, Minds & Computers
- Functional Anatomy of the Brain and of Nerve Cells
- The Language of Neurons and Neuronal Signaling
- Neuronal Basis of Behavioral Responses
- The "Nanotechnology" of Nerve Cell Membranes
- Ionic Channels and Liquid State Ionics
- Biophysical Basis of Neural Membrane Potentials
- Passive Signaling in Neurons-Cable Properties
- Neural Signaling via Action Potentials
- Synaptic Transmission of Neural Information
- Modeling the Brain: Simplified vs. Realistic Models
- Modeling voltage-activated channels: Hodgkin-Huxley Model
- Modeling Synapses and Other Ionic Conductances
- Biologically Realistic Neural Network Models
- Recording and Processing Neural signals From Human Brains
- The Electroencephalogram and the Magnetoencephalogram
- Metabolic Signals from the Brain-Basis of the FMRI
- Brain - Computer Interfaces in Treating Brain Malfunctions
- Neurotransmitter Release the Basis and Neural "Plasticity"
- Biophysics of Learning and Memory
- Cellular Memories are Made of What?
- Sensory Reception and Perception
- Optics of the Eye and Retinal Image Processing
- Visual Image Perception in the Brain
- Sensory Transduction in the Ear
- The Artificial Cochlea and Other Neural Prostheses
Benefits
- Understand the nervous system
- Appreciate the similarities and differences between human nervous systems and computers
- Practice R/D proposal writing
- Receive research prospectus preparation
Objectives
To cover the four related issues described in the course description, while providing each student an opportunity to explore one area in depth.
Prerequisites
A basic electric systems or circuit course.
Education Officer (EO)
Unknown - Contact Instructor
Textbooks
References: Schwartz and Jessel, Principles of Neural Science,plus selected Journal Articles on Functional Brain Imaging; BMC website ece.colorado.edu.
Hardware & Software
Web and e-mail access useful. No specialized software needed.
Syllabus
Sample Lectures and YouTube Vignettes
| Lecture Title | Semester | Year | Type |
| Thu, Aug 27, 01 54 PM | Fall | 2009 | Lecture |
| Tue, Aug 25, 02 00 PM | Fall | 2009 | Lecture |
| ASEN5436L02 | Fall | 2008 | Lecture |
| ASEN5436L01 | Fall | 2008 | Lecture |
Upcoming & Previous Offerings
Meeting Days Legend: Monday (M), Tuesday (T), Wednesday (W), Thursday (R), Friday (F), Saturday (S), Sunday (U)
Summer Terms: M = Maymester, A = 1st 5 weeks, B= 2nd 5 weeks, C = 8 weeks, D= 10 weeks
Refer to the Academic Calendar for specific dates.
| Semester | Term | Time | Days | Location | Instructor | Additional Instructors |
| Fall 2009 | 02:00 AM - 03:15 AM | TR | ECCS 1B14 | Wachtel, H | ||
| Fall 2008 | 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM | TR | ECCS 1B14 | Wachtel, H | ||
| Fall 2007 | 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM | TR | ECCS 1B14 | Wachtel, H | ||
| Fall 2006 | 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM | TR | ECCS 1B14 | Wachtel, H | ||
| Fall 2005 | 02:00 PM - 03:15 PM | TR | ECCS 1B12 | Wachtel, H |
