Neural Computation 10
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PSGY4063 | Psychology | 4 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- PSGY4063
- School
- Psychology
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
The aim is to teach students how neural processes can be understood in computational terms and can be analysed using mathematical and computational methods.
Content:
- biophysical and reduced models of neurons;
- models of networks (e.g. Hopfield networks, ring attractors, rate networks);
- models of synaptic plasticity and memory;
- perceptrons;
- unsupervised learning;
- neural coding;
- visual system;
- model fitting.
Target Students
PG students in Psycholgy and Maths.MSc Machine Learning in Science. Also available for Year 4MSci Psychology students with approval from the module convenor/course director.
Classes
- Three 1-hour lectures each week for 5 weeks
- One 1-hour computing each week for 5 weeks
Assessment
- 100% Exam (2-hour): Written exam.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
Computational neuroscience develops computational models of brain functions such as perception, cognition and memory.The aim is to develop an understanding of computational principles underlying the brain's computations. In particular, students will learn about the biophysical underpinning of neural functions, the coding of information in the brain, and plasticity of the nervous system, and how to simulate these.Learning Outcomes
Intellectual skills
- Describe fundamental principles of computations in the brain, how they can be simulated, analysed and harnessed.
- Identify and compare principles of neural coding of information.
- Identify and compare principles of neural plasticity and learning and their applications in AI.
- Identify and use relevant computational tools and modern programming techniques.
Professional / practical skills
- Identify computational strategies to simulate models and analyse data.
- Implement simulations using modern computational tools.
Transferable / key skills
- Effectively communicate their work in writing.
- Analyse and solve complex problems in relevant topics.
- Make effective use of general and specialist computational tools.
Conveners
Last updated 07/01/2025.