Unit name | Information Processing and the Brain (Teaching Unit) |
---|---|
Unit code | COMSM0075 |
Credit points | 0 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Dr. Houghton |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
COMS10014 Mathematics for Computer Science A and COMS10013 Mathematics for Computer Science B or equivalent. A knowledge of Python or Julia. A basic knowledge of probability theory and of differential equations. |
Co-requisites |
EITHER Assessment Units COMSM0073 Information Processing and the Brain (Exam assessment, 10 credits) OR COMSM0074 Information Processing and the Brain (Coursework assessment, 20 credits). Please note: COMSM0075 is the Teaching Unit for the Information Processing and the Brain option. Single Honours Computer Science students can choose to be assessed by either examination (10 credits, COMSM0073) or coursework (20 credits, COMSM0074) by selecting the appropriate co-requisite assessment unit. Any other students that are permitted to take the Information Processing and the Brain option are assessed by examination (10 credits) and should be enrolled on the co-requisite exam assessment unit (COMSM0073). |
School/department | School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology |
Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
This unit explores information processing, statistical and deep learning in neuroscience. It starts out with an overview of information, statistical theory and the probabilistic brain before focusing on computational models of neural circuits and learning, including unsupervised, supervised and reinforcement learning, visual and auditory system, convolution and recurrent neural networks and the backpropagation algorithm in the brain. Finally the unit explains how to relate these models to neural data.
Overall, the unit will enable students to understand how concepts from data science, machine learning and computational modelling are being used to solve one of the most challenging problems in science: how do our brains work.
General ILOs
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
When assessed by Examination, in addition to the general ILOs above, students will be able to:
When assessed by Coursework, in addition to the general ILOs above, students will be able to:
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures and self-directed exercises.
Teaching will take place over Weeks 1-7, with coursework support in Weeks 8-10 and for students assessed by examination, consolidation and revision sessions in Weeks 11 and 12.
Examination details:
January timed assessment (100%, 10 credits)
OR
Coursework details:
Coursework (100%), to be completed in weeks 8-10.
A list of textbooks and of relevant research papers will be provided.