Lecture Notes: The Human Brain - Professor Nancy Camwisher

Introduction

• Class begins promptly at 11:05.
• Professor Nancy Camwisher introduces herself.
• Overview of the lecture agenda:
  • A brief story (10 minutes)
  • Discussion on the why, how, and what of studying the human brain
  • Course mechanics and grading details

Story Time

A True Story

• Story about a friend, "Bob", who experienced a medical emergency while staying over at the professor's home.
• Bob was found unresponsive but eventually regained consciousness and was taken to the hospital.
• Initial tests at the hospital showed no immediate problems, but the professor had concerns about Bob's brain health due to previous troubling signs.
• Important themes:
  • Nature of the human mind
  • Organization of the human brain
  • Recovery from brain damage
  • Resilience, privilege, and expertise in medical care

Observations on Bob's Condition

• Noticed odd navigational issues in Bob's behavior over the years.
• Concerns about early signs of Alzheimer's due to navigational deficits.
• Initial ER doctor did not believe it was a brain issue.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Bob eventually got brain scans indicating a tumor (meningioma) near critical navigation areas of the brain.
• The tumor was growing slowly, which suggested it was not cancerous.
• Bob underwent successful surgery, but lost specific navigational abilities post-surgery despite recovering other cognitive functions.

Key Themes

1. Brain Structure and Function
   • Different parts of the brain have specific functions.
   • Damage to specific areas can result in loss of certain abilities while maintaining others.
2. Specialized Brain Machinery
3. Understanding Mental Processes
   • The organization of the brain reflects the architecture of the mind.
4. Brain Change and Recovery
   • Recovery from brain damage can vary, with adults often showing less plasticity than children.
5. Methods of Study
   • Different methods to study brain functions (behavioral observations, imaging, etc.).

Why Study the Brain?

• To understand ourselves and our identity.
• To evaluate the limits of human knowledge.
• To advance AI by learning from human cognition and behavior.
• To engage in the greatest intellectual quest of all time.

How We Will Study the Brain

Levels of Organization

• Explore different levels of brain function from molecules to entire brain regions.
• Focus on how the brain gives rise to the mind by understanding mental functions.

Methods Used

• Cognitive science approaches (psychophysics, behavioral studies).
• Neuropsychology (studying patients with brain damage).
• Functional MRI and other imaging techniques.
• EEG, MEG, and connectivity measures.

Course Content Overview

• The organization of the human brain and its functions, especially regarding visual perception, language, and social understanding.
• Emphasis on recent progress in cognitive neuroscience.
• Explore the relationship between cognition and specific brain regions.

Grading and Assignments

• Standard grading structure: Midterm (25%), Final (25%), written assignments, quizzes, and reading assignments.
• Students will read current papers and respond to assignments designed to develop understanding of the field.
• No textbook; focus on reading original research articles.

Conclusion

• The class aims to explore key questions in cognitive neuroscience and understand methods used in the field.
• Next class will cover neuroanatomy and feature a brain dissection demonstration.
• Students encouraged to ask questions and engage with the material throughout the course.