Computational Cognitive Neuroscience

ISC 6930 (15420 & 15520)

Spring 2007

Class Web Site: http://www.ccs.fau.edu/~bressler/EDU/CompCogNeuro/CompCogNeuro.html

Instructor: Dr. Steven Bressler

Class Time: T,R 12:30-1:50PM

Class Location: BS 421

Required Reading:

Computational Explorations in Cognitive Neuroscience (Understanding the Mind by Simulating the Brain). Randall C. O'Reilly and Yuko Munakata, MIT Press 2000.

Associated Exploration Simulations: http://psych.colorado.edu/~oreilly/cecn_download.html

Reference Readings:

1. Neural Engineering: Computation, Representation, and Dynamics in Neurobiological Systems, Eliasmith, MIT Press, 2003.
2. Theoretical Neuroscience: Computational and Mathematical Modeling of Neural Systems, Dayan Abbott, MIT Press, 2001.
3. Fundamentals of Neural Network Modeling : Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Parks, MIT Press, 1998.
4. Conversations in the Cognitive Neurosciences, Gazzaniga, MIT Press, 1997.
5. Wet Mind, Kosslyn & Koenig, The Free Press, 1995.

Course Goals:

This course introduces the ideas and methods used in simulating cognitive and perceptual processes using computational models based on the neural networks of the brain. In other words, this course teaches cognitive neuroscience (understanding how the brain gives rise to thought) using computer models as a tool. These models provide a bridge between behavioral and biological levels of analysis. A core set of computational principles based largely on well-established properties of neural processing in the cortex is introduced gradually, and used throughout the course to account for a wide range of cognitive phenomena.

Grading:

Grading will be based on successful completion of homework assignments.