This tutorial on Computation in the Brain aims to explore the origins and development of neuroscience, including topics such as neurotransmitters, synaptic vesicles, ion channels, and the spike. The course delves into the Hubel-Wiesel conjecture, vision, and computational neuroscience. By the end of the tutorial, learners will have a better understanding of the chemical language of neurons, the parts of the brain, and the computational aspects of brain function. The teaching method involves a historical timeline approach, discussing key discoveries and theories in neuroscience. This course is intended for individuals interested in neuroscience, computational neuroscience, brain function, and the intersection of biology and computing.
Overview
Syllabus
Intro
Three parts
Neuroscience: the origins Alcmaeon of Croton 520 BC.
Neuroscience Timeline (cont.) L. Galvani 1760
Neuroscience is Born!
1932: C. Sherrington: the synapse
Plasticity!
1936: H. Dale and O. Loewi: neurotransmitters • The chemical language of neurons
Neurotransmitters: many kinds (from Wikipedia)
1970: Katz, von Euler, Axelrod: synaptic vesicles
1991: Neher - Sakmann; 2000: Carlsson, Greengard, Kandel: ion channels
1963: Eccles, Hodgkin, Huxley: the spike
The spike, how?
1981: Sperry, Hubel, and Wiesel: vision
The Hubel - Wiesel conjecture: simple cells
The Hubel - Wiesel conjecture: complex cells
David Marr (1945 – 1980) and the genesis of computational neuroscience
2006: R. Axel and L. Buck: olfaction
OK, the parts of the brain
Btw, parts of the brain?
Parts of the brain names: Bones of the skull
Parts of the brain names: directions
(Cerebral) Cortex: the engine
Place cells
Grid cells
Taught by
IEEE FOCS: Foundations of Computer Science
