Unit information: Information Processing and the Brain in 2019/20

Unit name	Information Processing and the Brain
Unit code	COMSM0034
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Houghton
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Computer Science
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

This unit explores information processing, statistical and deep learning in neuroscience. It starts out with an overview of information, statistical theory and the probabilistic brain before focusing on computational models of neural circuits and learning, including unsupervised, supervised and reinforcement learning, visual and auditory system, convolution and recurrent neural networks and the backpropagation algorithm in the brain. Finally the unit explains how to relate these models to neural data. Overall, the unit will enable students to understand how concepts from data science, machine learning and computational modelling are being used to solve one of the most challenging problems in science: how do our brains work.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Understand state-of-the-art computational models being used to understand brain functioning;
2. Understand different forms of modelling in neuroscience, from probabilistic models to neural networks
3. Understand how deep learning networks relate to the brain
4. Become familiar with different forms of learning in the brain (and machine learning)
5. Understand how to perform advanced data analysis for real-world problems

Teaching Information

Lectures and computer laboratories.

24 hours of contact time consisting of:
• 18 lecture hours
• 6 hours of computer labs – either 3x2hour or 2x3 hour

Assessment Information

2 course works; problem sheet (10%) and coursework (20%)

2 hour exam (70%) (all learning outcomes)

Reading and References

A list of textbooks and relevant papers will be provided.