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Fundamentals of Computational Neuroscience

This document provides information about a course on computational neuroscience taught by Ashesh Dhawale and Alexander Mathis. It will cover topics like neural encoding, single cell models, neural decoding and information theory. Students will learn scientific computing skills using MATLAB and complete assignments involving mathematical and programming problems. The goal is for students to understand how quantitative methods can provide insights into questions about how the brain computes, learns, and represents information.

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detki007
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260 views20 pages

Fundamentals of Computational Neuroscience

This document provides information about a course on computational neuroscience taught by Ashesh Dhawale and Alexander Mathis. It will cover topics like neural encoding, single cell models, neural decoding and information theory. Students will learn scientific computing skills using MATLAB and complete assignments involving mathematical and programming problems. The goal is for students to understand how quantitative methods can provide insights into questions about how the brain computes, learns, and represents information.

Uploaded by

detki007
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Fundamentals

of
Computational Neuroscience
Ashesh Dhawale & Alexander Mathis

NEUROBIO 101hfm: Neurobiology 101hfm tutorial, Fall & Spring term 2014/15
Contact information
Ashesh Dhawale, Ph.D.
Ölveczky lab, Department of Organismic & Evolutionary Biology
Northwest Laboratories Rm. 225; 52 Oxford Street
Email address: dhawale@[Link]
Office hours: Thursday 10-12

Alexander Mathis, Ph.D.


Murthy lab, Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology
Biological Laboratories Rm. 4033; 16 Divinity Avenue
Email address: amathis@[Link]
Office hours: Monday 10-12
Overview of first lecture
● What is Computational Neuroscience?
● Examples of current research
● Syllabus of course
● Practical course details
● Introduction to MATLAB
● Introduction to Tuning curves (1st assignment)
What is Computational
Neuroscience?
Studying the brain Using quantitative
“as a computing device” methods to study the
brain

Theory / Models / Data


Analysis

“Tools”:

Mathematics
Physics
[Link]
Statistics
Machine learning
Current research
Brain-machine interfaces

What is the language


of the brain?

How do brains
represent information?

Schwartz lab, U Pittsburgh


Current research
Artificial Neural Nets

How does the


brain learn?

Hinton lab, U Toronto


Poggio lab, MIT
Current research
Neuromorphic chips

IBM's True North Architecture

How does the


brain compute?

IBM Research – Almaden, CA


Syllabus
Fall term – What is the Spring term – The brain as a
language of the brain? learning machine

● Neural encoding ● Synaptic plasticity and


cellular learning
● Single cell models
● Learning and memory
● Neural decoding, optimal
storage by networks
coding & information theory
● Learning at systems level
Neural Encoding

Quiroga & Panzeri 2009

DeCharms & Zador 2000


Single Cell Models

Herz et al. 2006


Neural decoding, information theory
& optimal coding
Fisher Information

C. Shannon

Quiroga & Panzeri 2009


Synaptic plasticity & cellular learning
STDP rule
Hebb's rule:

What fires together,


wires together!

Poo lab, Berkeley


Learning and memory storage by
neural networks

Hopfield 1984 Ohlshausen & Field 1996


Learning and decision making
at the systems level
Types of learning

Shall I commit to A or B?

Uchida et al, 2006

Doya, 2000
Goals of the course
● Learning basics of scientific computing (data analysis,
implementing mathematical models & theories)
● Getting familiar with research in computational
neuroscience
● Being able to critically assessing the scientific
literature and communicating research
● Understanding of scientific concepts using a hands-on
approach (programming/assignments)
Practical details for course:
Format

Class ~ 90 min
Assignment n+1

Class consist of either

Assignment n
● Discussion of research papers
● Joint programming session
● Lecture
Practical details for course:
Work load (<4h)

● Solve weekly assignments (mathematical and/or


programming problems)
● Reading research papers & post questions
● Presenting a paper (~ 1 per semester)
● Semester coding project
Practical details for course:
Grading

Paper presentation
Class participation
Weekly assignments (coding + question)
Semester Coding project
Questions?

● What do you expect from this course?


● Which aspects of Computational neuroscience
do you find particularly exciting?
● Who knows MATLAB/ wants to learn
MATLAB?
Introduction to MATLAB...

“you get hungry from eating”

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