Advanced Neural Information Processing (BMEN90004)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
AIMS
This subject has a twofold aim. First, it introduces students to the basic mechanisms of information processing in the brain and nervous system and then explores five areas in more depth. The topics covered in more depth are: (1) neural modelling; (2) neuroimaging; (3) mean-field models of neural activity; (4) neural learning; (5) neural information. Second, it introduces students to a number of important research skills: (i) how to prepare and present a poster, (ii) how to prepare and lead a journal club discussion, and (iii) how to provide feedback on the presentations of other students.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Topics include:
Introduction to neural information processing, neural modelling, neuroimaging, mean-field models of neural activity, neural Information, neural learning.
Intended learning outcomes
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO's)
Having completed this unit the student is expected to:
- Describe the principles underlying neural modelling and be familiar with the strengths and limitations of the main classes of neural models.
- Describe the principles underlying the various forms of neuroimaging, as well as their strengths and limitations.
- Describe the modelling of membrane ion channels and their relation to the Hodgkin-Huxley equations.
- Describe the mechanisms underlying learning in the brain and nervous system, as well as how they can be implemented in artificial (biologically inspired machine learning) algorithms.
- Describe the ways in which information theory is used in understanding neural systems.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:
- Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals.
- Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large.
- Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution.
- Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance.
- Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team leader.
- Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development.
- Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and commitment to them.
- Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity and for the ethics of scholarship.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Enrolment in a research higher degree (Master by Research or PhD) in Engineering.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Credit may not be obtained for both BMEN90004 and the following subject
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMEN90002 | Neural Information Processing | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- A poster presentation on a journal or conference paper to be delivered during weeks 5-12, requiring approximately 25-30 hours of work (20%)
- A journal club presentation of 45 minutes duration on one or more journal articles (20%) and a written report of 2000 words on the article(s) presented in the journal club due during weeks 5-12, requiring approximately 60-70 hours of work (30%)
- Three feedback critiques of 750 words each on journal club presentations due during weeks 5-12, requiring approximately 35-40 hours of work (30%).
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO's) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are assessed in a poster presentation, journal club, written report and three feedback critiques.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Anthony Burkitt Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 24 hours of lectures Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Email: aburkitt@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
200 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The subject is delivered through lectures, journal clubs and poster presentations. Each student delivers one journal club presentation and one poster presentation to the class. Each student provides a critique of other students’ journal club presentation.
INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES
Students are provided with lecture slides, conference papers and journal papers.
CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
Each topic is taught by a different person, with research institute and/or industry guest lecturers delivering some of the content.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering Course Master of Philosophy - Engineering Course Ph.D.- Engineering - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
Last updated: 3 November 2022