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Advanced Neural Information Processing (BMEN90004)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2020
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
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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
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
One examination.
| End of semester | 40% |
A journal club of 15 minutes presentation time plus class discussion on one or more journal articles (20%) and a written report of 1500 words on the article(s) presented in the journal club due during weeks 4-12, (20%)
| From Week 4 to Week 12 | 40% |
Two feedback critiques of 500 words each on journal club presentations due during weeks 4-12.
| From Week 4 to Week 12 | 20% |
Additional details
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO's) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are assessed in an exam, journal club, written report and two feedback critiques.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
Not available in 2020
Time commitment details
200 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None
- 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 Ph.D.- Engineering Course Master of Philosophy - 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.
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
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022