Computational Modeling in Cognitive Neuroscience

3 units

Introduces the ideas and methods used in simulating cognitive and perceptual processes using computational models. The focus will be on neural network mechanisms,which provide a bridge between behavioral and biological levels of analysis. The first half of the course will introduce the basic computational and biological properties of individual neurons and neuronal networks, and the learning mechanisms which organize these networks. The second half of the course will examine how these computational mechanisms can be used to explore a range of cognitive phenomena, including perception, attention, memory, language and higher-level cognition (i.e., executive control). Prerequisite: Cognitive Neuroscience (Psych 3604) or Permission of Instructor.