Neural Mechanisms of Health and Disease

Major topics include: 1) Single neuron physiology and plasticity 2) Information processing by sensory and motor circuits 3) Modern techniques and devices in neuroscience 4) Neuropathologies, such as epilepsy, aging, and others.

BME51000

Credit Hours:

3

Learning Objective:

1. Describe the organization of the mammalian nervous system and to some degree how it compares to non-mammalian nervous systems. 2. Apply neural information processing principles to determine how external and internal variables drive neural activity and behavior. 3. Design experiments by selecting appropriate techniques and measurements in order to address an experimental question or hypothesis. 4. Analyze and interpret neural data, mainly neurophysiological data, to answer questions about neural coding and with respect to an experimental hypothesis. 5. Develop preliminary therapeutic solutions to neural disorders based on understanding neural mechanisms and devices used to measure or treat these disorders

Description:

Major topics include: 1) Single neuron physiology and plasticity 2) Information processing by sensory and motor circuits 3) Modern techniques and devices in neuroscience 4) Neuropathologies, such as epilepsy, aging, and others.
Spring 2021 Syllabus

Topics Covered:

Introduction: Levels of organization; Review of basic neuronal elements and signaling; Single neuron plasticity and computation; Organization of nervous system; Analysis of neuroanatomy data; Sensory transduction: Physical and chemical senses; Feature extraction of sensory information; Higher order sensory processing; From sensory coding to perception; Motor coding; Sensorimotor integration; Sensorimotor integration; Higher cognition; When brains attack: Neural disorders and neurodegeneration.

Prerequisites:

A course in neuroscience or neuroengineering or graduate standing

Applied / Theory:

Web Address:

https://mycourses.purdue.edu

Web Content:

Lecture slides, syllabus, problem set answers, lecture recording and useful resources.

Homework:

20% of the grade is based on assignments/participation. ebartle@purdue.edu

Projects:

There is a research grant proposal, report and final presentation as well as a project on neural coding. Further details will be provided during the semester.

Exams:

1 midterm exam, 1 take-home midterm and 1 take-home final

Textbooks:

Official textbook info now listed in the Schedule of Classes. NOTE: Textbook information is subject to be changed at any time at the discretion of the faculty member. If you have questions or concerns please contact the academic department.
Required: From Neuron to Brain, 5th Ed., Nicholls ISBN:9780878936090, Fundamental Neuroscience 4th Ed., Squire ISBN:B00AC1EGXE, MATLAB for Neuroscientists: An Introduction to Scientific Computing in MATLAB 1st ed., Wallisch ISBN: 9780123745514, Principles of Neural Science, 5th Ed., Eric Kandel, ISBN:B009LHFYNG, Spikes: Exploring the Neural Code (Computational Neuroscience), Rieke ISBN:9780262681087

Computer Requirements:

Download of free NEURON and ImageJ/Fiji software