VS265: Neural Computation Fall2010

Course description

This course provides an introduction to the theory of neural computation. The goal is to familiarize students with the major theoretical frameworks and models used in neuroscience and psychology, and to provide hands-on experience in using these models. Topics include neural network models, supervised and unsupervised learning rules, associative memory models, probabilistic/graphical models, sensorimotor loops, and models of neural coding in the brain.

This course differs from MCB 262, Advanced Topics in Systems Neuroscience, in that it emphasizes the theoretical underpinnings of models - i.e., their mathematical and computational properties - rather than their application to the analysis of neuroscientific data. It is offered in alternate years, interleaving with MCB 262. Students interested in computational neuroscience are encouraged to take both of these courses as they complement each other. This course was previously taught as VS298 (Fall 2006 and Fall 2008).

Instructors

Bruno Olshausen

• Email: link
• Office: 570 Evans
• Office hours: immediately following lecture

Paul Ivanov, GSI

• Email: berkeley edu pi (pi should be out front)
• Office: 508-20 Evans
• Office hours: Mondays 4-5pm

Lectures

• Location: Dwinelle 160
• Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:30-5:00.
• Videos: graciously taped by our own Jeff Teeters.

Enrollment information

• Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, subject to background requirements specified below.
• Telebears: {CCN, Section, Units, Grade Option} == {66465, 01 LEC, 3, Letter Grade}

Email list and forum

• Please subscribe to the class email list here. The list name is vs265-students.

Grading

Based on weekly homework assignments (60%) and a final project (40%).

Required background

Prerequisites are calculus, ordinary differential equations, basic probability and statistics, and linear algebra. Familiarity with programming in a high level language such as Matlab is also required.

Textbooks

• [HKP] Hertz, J. and Krogh, A. and Palmer, R.G. Introduction to the theory of neural computation. Amazon
• [DJCM] MacKay, D.J.C. Information Theory, Inference and Learning Algorithms. Available online or Amazon
• [DA] Dayan, P. and Abbott, L.F. Theoretical neuroscience: computational and mathematical modeling of neural systems. Amazon

HKP and DA are available as paperback. Additional reading, such as primary source material, will be suggested on a lecture by lecture basis.