Synapses, Neurons and Brains
These are very unique times for brain research. The aperitif for the course will thus highlight the present “brain-excitements” worldwide. You will then become intimately acquainted with the operational principles of neuronal “life-ware” (synapses, neurons and the networks that they form) and consequently, on how neurons behave as computational microchips and how they plastically and constantly change - a process that underlies learning and memory. Recent heroic attempts to realistically simulate large cortical networks in the computer will be highlighted (e.g., “the Blue Brain Project”) and processes related to perception, cognition and emotions in the brain will be discussed. For dessert we will deliberate on the future of brain research, including the questions of “brain and art”, consciousness and free will. For more information see the course promo below and read “About the course.”
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Syllabus
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
Brain Excitements for the 21st Century
Week 2
The Materialistic Mind - Your Brain’s Ingredients
Week 3
Electrifying Brains –Passive Electrical Signals
Week 4
Electrifying Brains – Active Electrical Spikes
Week 5
Neurons as Plastic/Dynamic Devices
Week 6
Cable Theory and Dendritic Computations
Week 7
Cortical Networks - Out of the Blue Project
Week 8
Perception, Action, Cognition and Emotions
Week 9
From Synapses to Free Will?
Week 10
Course Conclusion
FAQ
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
Reviews
Brilliant course, with great instructors. Taken quite a number of online courses, but non was more simple, in a rather complicated course as this. kudos!
up to date with current developments.
makes you think, and not just memorize some abstract ideas / equations.
I enjoyed it, highly recommend to others.
Thanks for the Course!
Excellent, mind blowing course!!! I really liked it!!!
And congratulations for the professor!! I love the way you present those complex concepts in such an easy way! Thanks!!!
Enjoyed course very much and learned a lot. There was some minimal confusion on my part due to the accents of the presenters and inaccurate translations.
