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Sean Hill,
Terri Gilbert,
Forrest Collman,
Trygve Bakken,
Saskia de Vries,
Jack Waters,
Huib Mansvelder,
Vilas Menon,
Alain Destexhe,
Francesco Pavone,
Danilo Bzdok,
and
Michael Reimann
Understanding the brain requires an integrated understanding of different scales of organisation of the brain. This means studying the role that genes, channels, cells, microcircuits, and even whole brain regions have in different types of behaviour: From perception to action, while asleep or when being awake.
Read more
Understanding the brain requires an integrated understanding of different scales of organisation of the brain. This means studying the role that genes, channels, cells, microcircuits, and even whole brain regions have in different types of behaviour: From perception to action, while asleep or when being awake.
Read more
Understanding the brain requires an integrated understanding of different scales of organisation of the brain. This means studying the role that genes, channels, cells, microcircuits, and even whole brain regions have in different types of behaviour: From perception to action, while asleep or when being awake.
This coursewill take the you through the latest data, models and techniques for investigating the different levels of the brain. We will show how we can put the pieces together and attain new insights and derive new theories. With contributions from more than 10 international neuroscientists from six different research institutions, the MOOC gives a broad overview of the latest tools and techniques for neuroinformatics, analysis, modelling and simulation.At the same time, several different tutorials on available data and data tools, such as those from the Allen Institute for Brain Science, provide you with in-depth knowledge on brain atlases, gene expression data and modeling neurons. These tutorials will be followed by exercises that give you the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills to use the tools and data for your own research.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/5vm5dn/the
What's inside
Learning objectives
- How to explain and contrast different techniques for visualization, mapping, and modeling of single cells, synaptic fields, larger circuits of neurons, and long-range interactions between cortical areas
- Ways to classify neurons and relate cell morphology to function
- How to use brain atlases and modeling tools
- How to explain and contrast different techniques for visualization, mapping, and modeling of single cells, synaptic fields, larger circuits of neurons, and long-range interactions between cortical areas
- Ways to classify neurons and relate cell morphology to function
- How to use brain atlases and modeling tools
Syllabus
1. Introduction
2. Genetic Mapping of the mouse brain
3. Navigating gene expression data.
4. Multi-scale connectivity
Read more
Syllabus
1. Introduction
2. Genetic Mapping of the mouse brain
3. Navigating gene expression data.
4. Multi-scale connectivity
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores practical applications and career paths in neuroscience
Taught by Sean Hill and Terri Gilbert, both renowned experts in neuroinformatics and neuroscience
Examines brain function across multiple scales, from genetic to behavioral
Develops skills in data analysis, visualization, and modeling of brain data
Involves contributions from over ten international neuroscientists
Provides hands-on experience with neural data and tools through tutorials and exercises
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Reviews summary
Deep dive into multi-scale brain science
According to learners, 'The Multi-scale brain' offers a masterpiece for advanced neuroscientists and researchers, providing a unique and comprehensive framework for understanding brain organization across scales. Students consistently praise its cutting-edge content, including insights from the Allen Institute data and tools, and the unparalleled expertise of its instructors from various institutions. While profoundly rewarding and highly relevant, the course demands a very strong background in neuroscience and computational methods, making it challenging for beginners. Some feedback notes that lectures can be dense or feel like a series of distinct talks.
Insights from multiple leading neuroscientists enrich learning.
"The insights from various leading neuroscientists are unparalleled."
"The contributions from multiple institutions enrich the learning experience significantly."
"The instructors are experts in their fields."
Effectively uses real-world data and tools like Allen Institute.
"I particularly valued the modules on 'Multi-scale modeling' and the practical application of 'Allen Institute' data."
"The use of real-world data and tools from the Allen Institute is a huge plus."
"I appreciated the hands-on approach with the data tools, though having some prior coding experience definitely helped."
Features latest research and highly relevant topics.
"This course is a masterpiece for anyone serious about understanding the brain across different scales."
"The content is cutting-edge and fascinating..."
"The course is very current and provides an excellent foundation for understanding multi-scale neuroscience."
Some lectures are dense or feel like distinct talks.
"Some lectures felt a bit dense, requiring multiple re-watches."
"It sometimes felt like a series of distinct talks."
"I think the course could benefit from more interactive elements or a more cohesive narrative across modules, as it sometimes felt like a series of distinct talks."
Requires strong background in neuroscience and coding.
"The course is incredibly challenging if you don't have a strong background in both neuroscience and computational methods."
"It's demanding but profoundly rewarding. Highly recommended for advanced learners."
"If you're not already deep into neuroinformatics, you'll struggle."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in The Multi-scale brain with these
activities:
Read 'Principles of Neural Science'
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of the fundamental principles of neuroscience by reading a comprehensive textbook.
View
Principles of Neural Science, Fifth Edition...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read specific chapters or sections relevant to the course topics.
-
Summarize key concepts and make notes.
-
Discuss the book's content with peers or the instructor.
Review of Cell Biology and Neuroscience
Show steps
Review the basics of cell biology and neuroscience to strengthen your foundation for understanding the brain.
Browse courses on
Cell Biology
Show steps
-
Revisit textbooks and notes from previous courses in cell biology and neuroscience.
-
Attend online lectures or workshops on cell biology and neuroscience.
-
Complete practice problems or quizzes to test your understanding.
Using the Allen Institute Atlases and Tools
Show steps
Become familiar with the Allen Institute for Brain Science's extensive data resources and learn how to use their tools effectively.
Browse courses on
Tools
Show steps
-
Explore the Allen Institute website and familiarize yourself with their data offerings.
-
Follow guided tutorials on navigating the atlases and using specific tools.
-
Practice using the tools to explore gene expression data, connectivity data, and brain regions.
-
Attend webinars or workshops hosted by the Allen Institute.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Identifying and Classifying Neurons
Show steps
Develop your ability to identify and classify neurons based on their structure and function.
Browse courses on
Neurons
Show steps
-
Examine images of different neuron types and identify their key features.
-
Complete online quizzes or interactive exercises on neuron classification.
-
Practice applying classification criteria to real-world examples.
-
Attend a workshop or lab session focused on neuron identification.
Discuss Applications of Brain Mapping Techniques
Show steps
Engage with peers to explore the practical applications of brain mapping techniques in various fields.
Browse courses on
Brain Mapping
Show steps
-
Form study groups or join online forums.
-
Discuss different brain mapping techniques and their advantages, limitations, and applications.
-
Share research findings and case studies related to brain mapping.
-
Guest: Invite a researcher or expert in brain mapping to share their insights.
Build a Model of a Neural Circuit
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of neural circuits and modeling to create a functional model that simulates a specific brain function.
Browse courses on
Neural Circuits
Show steps
-
Choose a specific neural circuit or brain function to model.
-
Select appropriate software or tools for building the model.
-
Design and implement the model, including defining parameters and simulating behavior.
-
Validate the model by comparing its output to experimental data or known behaviors.
-
Present your model and findings to peers or instructors for feedback.
Attend a Workshop on Computational Neuroscience
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of computational approaches to studying the brain by attending a specialized workshop.
Browse courses on
Computational Neuroscience
Show steps
-
Research and identify relevant workshops.
-
Register and attend the workshop.
-
Engage actively in discussions and hands-on activities.
-
Apply the knowledge gained to your own research or projects.
Read 'Principles of Neural Science'
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of the fundamental principles of neuroscience by reading a comprehensive textbook.
View
Principles of Neural Science, Fifth Edition...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read specific chapters or sections relevant to the course topics.
- Summarize key concepts and make notes.
- Discuss the book's content with peers or the instructor.
Review of Cell Biology and Neuroscience
Show steps
Review the basics of cell biology and neuroscience to strengthen your foundation for understanding the brain.
Browse courses on
Cell Biology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Revisit textbooks and notes from previous courses in cell biology and neuroscience.
- Attend online lectures or workshops on cell biology and neuroscience.
- Complete practice problems or quizzes to test your understanding.
Using the Allen Institute Atlases and Tools
Show steps
Become familiar with the Allen Institute for Brain Science's extensive data resources and learn how to use their tools effectively.
Browse courses on
Tools
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Explore the Allen Institute website and familiarize yourself with their data offerings.
- Follow guided tutorials on navigating the atlases and using specific tools.
- Practice using the tools to explore gene expression data, connectivity data, and brain regions.
- Attend webinars or workshops hosted by the Allen Institute.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Identifying and Classifying Neurons
Show steps
Develop your ability to identify and classify neurons based on their structure and function.
Browse courses on
Neurons
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Examine images of different neuron types and identify their key features.
- Complete online quizzes or interactive exercises on neuron classification.
- Practice applying classification criteria to real-world examples.
- Attend a workshop or lab session focused on neuron identification.
Discuss Applications of Brain Mapping Techniques
Show steps
Engage with peers to explore the practical applications of brain mapping techniques in various fields.
Browse courses on
Brain Mapping
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form study groups or join online forums.
- Discuss different brain mapping techniques and their advantages, limitations, and applications.
- Share research findings and case studies related to brain mapping.
- Guest: Invite a researcher or expert in brain mapping to share their insights.
Build a Model of a Neural Circuit
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of neural circuits and modeling to create a functional model that simulates a specific brain function.
Browse courses on
Neural Circuits
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific neural circuit or brain function to model.
- Select appropriate software or tools for building the model.
- Design and implement the model, including defining parameters and simulating behavior.
- Validate the model by comparing its output to experimental data or known behaviors.
- Present your model and findings to peers or instructors for feedback.
Attend a Workshop on Computational Neuroscience
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of computational approaches to studying the brain by attending a specialized workshop.
Browse courses on
Computational Neuroscience
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify relevant workshops.
- Register and attend the workshop.
- Engage actively in discussions and hands-on activities.
- Apply the knowledge gained to your own research or projects.
Career center
Learners who complete The Multi-scale brain will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Computational Neuroscientist
Computational Neuroscientist
Computational Neuroscientists use computer models to study the brain. This course will help future Computational Neuroscientists to build a foundation in neuroscience and to understand how to work with brain data. Computational Neuroscientists who are well-versed in brain data will be more likely to succeed in developing new models of the brain and in using these models to understand the brain and to treat brain disorders.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental disorders. This course will help future Psychiatrists to build a foundation in neuroscience and to understand how to work with brain data. Psychiatrists who are well-versed in brain data will be more likely to succeed in diagnosing and treating mental disorders.
Neuroengineer
Neuroengineer
Neuroengineers design and develop devices that interact with the nervous system. This course will help future Neuroengineers to build a foundation in neuroscience and to understand how to work with brain data. Neuroengineers who are well-versed in brain data will be more likely to succeed in designing and developing new devices that can help us to understand the brain and to treat brain disorders.
Cognitive Scientist
Cognitive Scientist
Cognitive Scientists study the mind and how it works. This course will help future Cognitive Scientists to build a foundation in neuroscience and to understand how to work with brain data. Cognitive Scientists who are well-versed in brain data will be more likely to succeed in understanding the mind and how it works.
Bioinformatician
Bioinformatician
Bioinformaticians use computer science to analyze biological data. This course will help future Bioinformaticians to build a foundation in neuroscience and to understand how to work with brain data. Bioinformaticians who are well-versed in brain data will be more likely to succeed in developing new methods for analyzing brain data and in using this data to understand the brain and to treat brain disorders.
Neurologist
Neurologist
Neurologists diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system, including the brain. This course will help future Neurologists to build a foundation in neuroscience and to understand how to work with brain data. Neurologists who are well-versed in brain data will be more likely to succeed in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders.
Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeons operate on the brain and nervous system. This course will help future Neurosurgeons to build a foundation in neuroscience and to understand how to work with brain data. Neurosurgeons who are well-versed in brain data will be more likely to succeed in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders.
Research Scientist
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct scientific research to advance knowledge in a particular field. This course will help future Research Scientists to build a foundation in neuroscience and to understand how to work with brain data. Research Scientists who are well-versed in brain data will be more likely to succeed in academia, industry, and government.
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientists design and develop computer systems and applications. This course will help future Computer Scientists to build a foundation in neuroscience and to understand how to work with brain data. Computer Scientists who are well-versed in brain data will be more likely to succeed in designing and developing computer systems and applications that can help us to understand the brain and to treat brain disorders.
Neuroethicist
Neuroethicist
Neuroethicists study the ethical implications of neuroscience research and applications. This course will help future Neuroethicists to build a foundation in neuroscience and to understand how to work with brain data. Neuroethicists who are well-versed in brain data will be more likely to succeed in understanding the ethical implications of neuroscience research and applications.
Neuromarketer
Neuromarketer
Neuromarketers use neuroscience to understand consumer behavior. This course will help future Neuromarketers to build a foundation in neuroscience and to understand how to work with brain data. Neuromarketers who are well-versed in brain data will be more likely to succeed in understanding consumer behavior and in developing marketing campaigns that are more effective.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts help businesses analyze and understand their data to make informed decisions. This course will help future Data Analysts to build a foundation in data science and to understand how to work with brain data. Data Analysts who are well-versed in brain data will be more likely to succeed in the healthcare, education, government, and other industries that rely heavily on this data.
Science Writer
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate scientific information to the public. This course will help future Science Writers to build a foundation in neuroscience and to understand how to work with brain data. Science Writers who are well-versed in brain data will be more likely to succeed in communicating scientific information about the brain to the public.
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultants help healthcare organizations improve their performance. This course will help future Healthcare Consultants to build a foundation in neuroscience and to understand how to work with brain data. Healthcare Consultants who are well-versed in brain data will be more likely to succeed in helping healthcare organizations to improve their performance in the areas of neuroscience and brain health.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Science is the field of interpreting raw data to find patterns and gain insights. Data Scientists do this by using automated methods, such as machine learning. Understanding how to use brain data for AI is a key part of Data Science today. This course allows the Data Scientist to understand how brain data is structured, which techniques can be applied to it, and how to interpret the output of these techniques. It does this by providing data from the Allen Institute for Brain Science, and then by presenting use cases and tools for interpreting this data.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5vm5dn/the
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
The Multi-scale brain.
Save
This handbook offers a comprehensive and authoritative overview of brain theory and neural networks, serving as a valuable reference for students and researchers interested in the topics covered throughout the course.
This widely-used textbook in the field of neuroscience, presenting a comprehensive overview of the subject. It is particularly useful for additional reading to help students understand concepts from all the course modules.
Save
Provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of neuronal dynamics, covering topics such as single-neuron properties, network dynamics, and computational models, enriching the understanding of concepts in Course Module 2.
Provides in-depth coverage of a variety of topics associated with networks in the brain, including complex systems, graph theory, and network dynamics.
Classic in the field of neuroimaging, providing a detailed overview of statistical parametric mapping, a technique used in Module 7 of this course.
Provides an excellent introduction to theoretical neuroscience, covering topics such as neural networks, computational models, and learning algorithms, building on concepts in Course Modules 2 and 5.
Serves as a very good resource and additional reading for Module 4 of the course, concerning multi-scale connectivity mapping.
Provides an in-depth exploration of computational neuroanatomy, making it a valuable resource for Course Module 6's focus on reconstructing micro-circuitry.
Save
Explores the computational principles underlying brain function, providing a valuable resource for Course Module 5 on multi-scale modeling.
Save
This undergraduate textbook provides a perfect supplement to Course Module 2, exploring the relationship between gene expression and behavior.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5vm5dn/the
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Effort
4 to 6 hours per week for 7 weeks
Level
Advanced
Via
edX
Institution
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Instructors
Sean Hill
Terri Gilbert
Forrest Collman
Trygve Bakken
Saskia de Vries
Jack Waters
Huib Mansvelder
Vilas Menon
Alain Destexhe
Francesco Pavone
Danilo Bzdok
Michael Reimann
Language
English
Transcript
English
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