NBE-E4130 - Information Processing in Neural Circuits D, Lecture, 8.1.2025-5.6.2025

Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

  • Explain the basic principles of information processing in neural circuits
  • Define coding information and reconstruction of stimuli based on neural information
  • Quantify the information content of a spike train
  • Analyze the fundamental constraints arising from noise on neural circuit function
  • Perform basic mathematical analysis to characterize neural signals and noise
  • Explain the basic requirements for fidelity and specificity of neural circuit function
  • Give examples of neural circuit computations and neural codes in well-defined neural circuits.

Credits: 5

Schedule: 08.01.2025 - 05.06.2025

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Petri Ala-Laurila

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    • Basic building blocks of the neural circuits
    • Neural wiring vs. neural circuit function
    • Basic principles of neural information transfer
    • Signal and noise in neural circuits
    • Quantifying information in neural circuits
    • Fidelity and specificity of neural circuit function
    • Examples of neural circuit computations.

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    • Active participation in teaching and exercises
    • Exam

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    • Lectures: 20 24 hours
    • Exercises: 20 24 hours
    • Preparations for exercises: 30 hours
    • Independent (self) study and preparation for lectures: 43 hours
    • Preparing for the exam: 10 hours
      Exam: 3 hours.

DETAILS

Study Material

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    To be announced.

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language: English

    Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring III - V
    2025-2026 No teaching

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