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Peer Review

Brains Minds and Computers

Reviewed:
Dec 10, 2017 by Computer Science
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Ratings

Overall Rating: 3.5 stars
Content Quality: 3.2 stars
Effectiveness: 3.8 stars
Ease of Use: 3.5 stars
Overview:

This course addresses several fundamental Neuroscience issues from an Engineering viewpoint:

 

  • How the brain works from both a bioelectrical and a computational point of view
  • How to use computers to simulate and explore neural function (Computational Neuroscience)
  • How memories are inscribed in the brain and why that is so different from the way computers do it
  • How sensory perception (particularly vision and hearing) compares in brains and computers
  • How signals generated in the brain can be noninvasively monitored and interfaced to control external devices.
Type of Material:
Online Course Module
Recommended Uses:
Supplement to in-person lectures
Technical Requirements:
HTML browser
Identify Major Learning Goals:
This course addresses several fundamental Neuroscience issues from an Engineering viewpoint: How the brain works from both a bioelectrical and a computational point of view How to use computers to simulate and explore neural function (Computational Neuroscience) How memories are inscribed in the brain and why that is so different from the way computers do it How sensory perception (particularly vision and hearing) compares in brains and computers How signals generated in the brain can be noninvasively monitored and interfaced to control external devices. The initial portion of the course will explore the nervous system from a "neural nanotechnology" standpoint. The course thus first approaches brain function at the molecular and cellular level, then builds to the neural network, sensory information processing and memory inscription levels. Realistic neural simulations are featured, with a brief treatment of more abstract approaches, such as artificial neural networks.
Target Student Population:
University students in general
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Basic engineering degree in CSE or ECE is required to really understand this.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:

There are clear and comprehensive lecture notes on computational neuroscience.

Various materials are provided.

There is also a related book.

Concerns:
It is not stand-alone.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:

It provides an overall course description.

There are assignments and supplementary information.

The materials are effective in general.

Concerns:
Presumes associated lectures, course-support, etc.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:

The interface design is satisfactory.

It provides useful information.

The supplementary materials facilitate further study.

Concerns:
However, in terms of usability, it is a bit disconnected from the overall context.
Other Issues and Comments:
It may be useful for an instructor who is teaching a similar course.
Creative Commons:
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