Understanding the Human Brain: Course Overview

Aug 4, 2024

Lecture Notes: The Human Brain - Introduction

Overview

  • Speaker: Nancy Camwisher, Professor
  • Focus of the lecture: Introduction to the human brain, course themes, and logistics.
  • Agenda:
    1. Story about a friend’s medical situation.
    2. Discussion about the significance of studying the brain.
    3. Course mechanics, grading, and assignments.

Story: Bob's Medical Situation

  • Background: Friend named Bob staying overnight before a conference.
  • Incident: Bob collapsed in the morning; Nancy finds him unresponsive.
  • Emergency Response:
    • 911 called, EMTs arrive quickly.
    • Bob appears confused but alive.
    • EMTs suggest a hospital visit for further investigation.
  • Hospital Experience:
    • Initial tests show no abnormalities.
    • Nancy expresses concern about Bob’s brain; previous concerns about his navigational abilities.
    • Nancy recalls Bob's strange behavior regarding navigation (getting lost, giving incorrect directions).

Key Themes of the Story

  • Nature of the Human Mind:
    • The brain is organized into different functional areas.
    • Damage to specific areas can result in specific deficits.
  • Resilience and Recovery:
    • Recovery after brain damage can vary greatly.
    • Different cognitive abilities can be affected differently by brain damage.

Importance of Studying the Brain

Reasons to Study the Brain

  1. Understanding Identity:
    • The brain is the essence of who we are; it shapes our thoughts, emotions, and identity.
  2. Limits of Knowledge:
    • Understanding the brain helps us evaluate the limits of human knowledge and cognition.
  3. Advancing AI:
    • Insights from brain study can inform and improve artificial intelligence systems.
  4. Intellectual Quest:
    • The study of the brain is considered one of the greatest intellectual challenges of our time.

Course Structure and Mechanics

Topics Covered

  • Focus Areas: Mental functions like perception, language, navigation, and memory.
  • Methods of Study:
    • Behavioral observations, neuropsychology, functional imaging (fMRI), EEG, etc.

Grading Breakdown

  • Midterm: 25%
  • Final Exam: 25% (cumulative, weighted towards the second half)
  • Readings: Approximately 2 papers per week with written assignments to reinforce understanding.
  • Quizzes: Brief quizzes to check understanding, conducted at the end of class.
  • Major Project: Design your own experiment due towards the end of the course.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the organization of the brain and its relation to cognitive functions.
  • Read and understand current research papers in the field of cognitive neuroscience.

Upcoming Topics

  • Neuroanatomy basics.
  • Guest Lecture: Brain dissection demonstration.
  • Focus on visual perception, navigation, and cognitive functions.

Final Thoughts

  • The course aims to connect cognitive functions and brain structures, emphasizing understanding over memorization.
  • Prepare for engaging discussions and deep dives into the workings of the mind and brain.