Lecture Notes: The Human Brain - Professor Nancy Camwisher

Introduction

Class Start Time: 11:05 AM
Instructor: Nancy Camwisher
Course Focus: The human brain
- Brief story followed by discussion on the importance, methodology, and content of studying the human brain.

Personal Anecdote: Professor's friend, Bob, experiences a medical emergency while staying over at her house.
- Details of the Incident: Bob collapses, ambulance arrives, hospital visit ensues.
- Initial Signs: Bob had shown signs of navigational deficits in the past.

Brain Structure and Function: Different parts of the brain have specific functions. Damage to one area can result in the loss of specific abilities without affecting overall intelligence.
Bob's Case: Diagnosed with a meningioma, a slow-growing tumor affecting his navigational skills. Surgery was successful, but he did not regain navigational abilities post-operation.

Structure and Organization: The brain has a specific architecture that corresponds to mental functions.
Specificity of Brain Functions: Some brain areas are specialized for particular tasks.
Understanding the Mind through the Brain: Studying the brain helps us understand mental processes.
Brain Recovery and Plasticity: Recovery from brain damage varies by age and the specific functions affected.
Methods to Study the Brain: Includes behavioral observations, anatomical imaging, and functional studies.

Self-Understanding: The brain is central to identity and personal experience.
Limits of Knowledge: Understanding the brain can reveal the boundaries of human knowledge and cognition.
Advancements in AI: Insights from cognitive science can inform artificial intelligence development.
Intellectual Quest: Studying the brain is considered one of the greatest intellectual challenges.

Approach: Focus on the relationship between mental functions and their brain bases.
Levels of Study: Will encompass molecular to neural circuit levels, but focus primarily on how the brain gives rise to the mind.
Methods: Use of neuropsychology, fMRI, EEG, MEG, and other techniques to understand brain functions.
Topics: Focus on cognitive functions like vision, language, perception, and navigation.

Readings: Current research articles; no textbook due to rapid advances in the field.
Assignments: Includes reading responses and a major project on experiment design.
Grading Breakdown: Midterm (25%), Final (25%), reading assignments, quizzes, and a long written assignment.
Class Engagement: Importance of understanding experimental design and reading scientific papers effectively.

Upcoming Lectures: Introduction to neuroanatomy and a live brain dissection demonstration.
Reading and Assignment Due Dates: First written response due February 12.
Preparation for Class: Be ready to engage in discussions and understand complex topics related to brain science.