Lecture Notes: The Human Brain by Nancy Camwisher

Introduction

• Class starts at 11:05, led by Professor Nancy Camwisher.
• Overview of the day's agenda:
  • Brief story (10 minutes)
  • Discuss the why, how, and what of studying the human brain
  • Course mechanics and details on grading (found in syllabus)

Story: Bob's Medical Incident

• A personal anecdote about a friend named Bob.
  • Bob stayed overnight before heading to a conference.
  • Next morning, Bob collapsed and was unresponsive.
  • Emergency services took Bob to Mount Auburn Hospital ER.

Medical Investigation

• Initial tests on Bob didn’t reveal any issues.
• Professor Camwisher recalled Bob's previous odd behaviors (e.g., getting lost, navigation issues).
• Suggested brain imaging, which led to the discovery of a growth in Bob's brain.
• Growth found next to the para hippocampal Place area, known for navigation.

Findings and Implications

• The growth was identified as a meningioma rather than cancer, indicating it was less aggressive.
• Surgery was performed, and Bob recovered remarkably well, but his navigational abilities did not return.
• Highlighted the importance of understanding specific brain functions and areas.

Themes from the Story

1. Brain Organization: The brain has a structure and different parts specialize in different functions.
2. Specificity of Brain Functions: Damage can lead to loss of specific abilities without general cognitive decline.
3. Resilience and Recovery: Recovery varies based on age and the nature of brain damage.
4. Research Methods: Multiple methods exist for studying brain functions, including behavioral tests and imaging.

Why Study the Brain?

• Know Thyself: Understanding the brain is crucial for self-identity and understanding human experience.
• Limits of Knowledge: Studying the mind helps evaluate the limits of human cognition.
• Advancements in AI: Research on the brain aids the development of artificial intelligence.
• Intellectual Quest: Understanding the brain is considered one of the greatest intellectual pursuits.

How to Study the Brain

• Approaches can include looking at:
  • Molecular interactions
  • Individual neurons
  • Circuits and networks of neurons.
• Course will focus on how the brain gives rise to the mind and explore various cognitive functions.

Methods of Study

• Cognitive Psychology: Explore mental functions and their brain bases.
• Neuropsychology: Study patients with brain damage to understand preserved and lost functions.
• Neuroimaging Techniques: Use fMRI, EEG, and other methods to visualize brain activity and structures.

Course Content Overview

• Topics include:
  • High-level vision (color, shape, motion)
  • Spatial navigation and scene perception
  • Development of cognition
  • Understanding of numbers, language, and social cognition.

Grading and Assignments

• Standard Grading: Midterm (25%), Final (25%), and various readings and written assignments.
• Reading Assignments: Two papers per week with short written tasks.
• Quizzes: About eight short quizzes throughout the course to assess comprehension.

Conclusion

• Next class will include brief neuroanatomy and a guest lecture on brain dissection.
• Engage with the material, understand scientific papers, and explore the complexities of the human brain.