Прикладная когнитивная нейронаука

Программа обучения

• Applied Neuroscience (онлайн)

  «Molecular Mechanisms of the Brain» is an elective course showing that the brain is the most important and sophisticated organ that, as «a conductor», provides the regulation of the central and peripheral functions and the integration of the whole organism. This is a necessary condition for the survival of the organism and the conservation of animal species. In addition, it is emphasized that the brain is a substrate for learning, memory and consciousness. In sum, this course provides basic information on the cellular, genetic and molecular mechanisms of brain functioning in norm and their impairment in pathology. The first part of the course is devoted to the analysis of the current concept of the structural and functional organization of the brain — from gene expression in individual neurons to behavior, which is the highlight of the Program «Brain Initiative Program». Particular attention is paid to the organization of neural networks that regulate specific functions by transmitting information from a neuron to a neuron via specialized contacts, the so-called synapses, using chemical signals, neurotransmitters. A variety of neurons in accordance with their phenotype and a wide range of chemical signals used for intraneuronal communication provide specific regulation of the brain functioning. Noteworthy that the implementation of the genetic program, the expression of the phenotype and the functioning of neurons can significantly change when the environment of the neuron changes, that is, under the influence of the so-called epigenetic factors. This unique phenomenon is a background of high brain (neuro)plasticity. The second part of the course is devoted to the evaluation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of brain degradation and its consequences for the functioning of the whole organism at aging, as well as at acute (trauma, stroke) and chronic (Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.) brain diseases. In this context, particular attention is paid to the current insight into the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of the diseases. Throughout the course, it is emphasized that understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of brain functioning in norm and pathology is only possible when using a multidisciplinary approach to study it at different levels of organization, from isolated neurons (in vitro) to the entire brain (in vivo) using invasive and non-invasive methods. Fundamental knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of brain diseases in accordance with the principles of translational medicine opens up unlimited possibilities for the development of innovative technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Thus, this course will serve to understand the cellular, genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying brain functioning in norm and pathology.

• Advanced Computational Neuroscience (онлайн)

  This course provides an introduction to basic computational methods for understanding what nervous systems do and for determining how they function. We will explore the computational principles governing various aspects of behavior, vision, sensory-motor control, learning, and memory. Specific topics that will be covered include reinforcement learning models, representation of information by spiking neurons, processing of information in neural networks, and models of neuronal dynamics and biophysics. We will make use of Matlab demonstrations and exercises to gain a deeper understanding of concepts and methods introduced in the course. Introduction to mathematical techniques will be given as needed. The course is primarily aimed at masters graduate students interested in learning how the brain processes information and how to use mathematics to model brain processes. The course «Computational Neuroscience» is new and unique discipline within the educational programs of the National Research University Higher School of Economics. The course is based on contemporary scientific research in computational neuroscience and related scientific areas. It is essential in training competent specialist in the areas of cognitive sciences and technologies.

• Advanced Behavioural Genetics (онлайн)

  «Behavioral genetics» will promote an understanding of the current state of affairs with regards to behavioural genetics. Basic principles as well as recent developments will be explored in relation to a broad range of phenotypes. Historical and ethical issues will be discussed. The structure and function of DNA will be studied in the context of investigations into individual variation in psychological traits. Students will be introduced to behavioural genomic analysis, such as investigating gene-environment interaction, testing educational interventions, and testing the generalist genes hypotheses — using information on measured genes and measured environments. The course also covers ethical and legal considerations of genetic research. Additionally, an important part of scientific research is the dissemination of ideas and the open discussion of empirical findings. Research into the interplay between genes, psychology, education, and justice system — is relatively new and easily misunderstood. Thus, the sharing of scientific information and ideas with experts, the scientific community in general and the wider public is critical. This module facilitates cross-cultural exchange, research dissemination, and public engagement activities. «Neurogenetics» is a basic course dealing with genetic underpinnings of development and function of central nervous system designed for the Master Program «Cognitive sciences and technologies: from neuron to cognition». The major genetic mechanisms, working on molecular and behavioral levels, will be discussed. The focus of the course will be the gene-cell-brain-behavior approach. As an example some neurophysiological endophenotypes will be introduced. The progress and perspectives of applying of genetic knowledge to understanding the neurological and psychiatric conditions will be also covered. The recent progress in neurogenetics provides new direction for the study of cognitive processes.

• Introduction to Programming in Python (онлайн)

  Курс предполагает освоение базовых навыков программирования в среде Python (библиотеки анализа данных, структуры, операторы и др.), а также изучение работы с библиотеками и пакетами, предназначенными для обработки когнитивных и нейро-данных (частотно-временные ряды, используемые при обработке МЭГ, ЭЭГ, фМРТ данных).

• Advanced Neuroimaging (очный)

  EEG (electroencephalography) is the measurement of electrical potential differences across points on the scalp using sensitive equipment. These small potential differences are the result of electrical activity within the brain and are associated with brain function. The coherent activity of cortical pyramidal neurons generates ionic currents, and these give rise to electric field and electric potential variations. The measured voltages are of µV range (microvolt, or one millionth of a Volt) and are typically recorded at multiple scalp sites simultaneously. Although other important techniques exist to study brain function, EEG offers excellent temporal resolution (millisecond scale) and moderate spatial resolution (cm scale) using modern analysis techniques such as cortical mapping. EEG remains unparalleled in ease of use. MEG (magnetoencephalography) is a method of estimation of electrical brain activity via measurement of tiny magnetic fields that accompany changes in electric potential of the cortex. The origin of these changes in general view is same as for EEG, but, since tissues of a head are nominally transparent for magnetic fields, the topography of the signal does not suffer from anisotropy of skull, skin and neural tissue. Therefore, the spatial resolution of modern MEG systems is much better than for EEG still saving time resolution of the last one. On the other hand, tiniest magnetic fields (in range of femtoTesla or 10-15 Tesla) require very precise state-of-art sensors called SQUIDs (superconductive quantum interferometers) placed in liquid helium. This architecture apparently leads to high operational costs and necessary to build a special magnetic shielded camera around the magnetoencephalographic device. To sum up, MEG data processing results in the very precise spatiotemporal mapping of the brain activity in cortical areas that help scientists to construct a detailed picture of the interplay of neuronal populations, especially when complemented with other techniques. Non Invasive Brain Stimulation techniques are able to modulate human cognitive behavior. Among these methods are transcranial electric stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation that both come in multiple variants. A property of both types of brain stimulation is that they modulate brain activity and in turn modulate cognitive behavior. They are optimal tools for investigating brain activity in basic research and for neurorehabilitation purposes. It includes TMS, tDCS, tACS. fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) is a neuroimaging technique which allows to visualize a brain activity-related signal across the whole brain with a millimetric resolution. fMRI requires an MRI scanner functioning with a specific protocol that extracts the BOLD (blood oxygen level dependent) signal, Although the BOLD signal hinges on the magnetic properties of blood, it has been shown to be a reliable proxy of time series of brain activity. The major drawback of the BOLD signal, besides being an indirect measure of neural activity, is that it is sluggish, i.e. it has low temporal resolution (~8s) and it is delayed (~6s). However, it is virtually, to this day, the only technique which allows whole brain visualization at a reasonable cost. One of the course’s main foci is on acquisition of the skills in the use of Brain Stimulation and Electroencephalography techniques. Therefore, it will mainly consist of 50% of hands-on learning and 50% of lectures on the related to advanced aspect of neurophysiology theory. At the end of the course we will expect participants to be able to collect, analyze and interpret EEG/MEG, TMS, tDCS, tACS, and fMRI data.

• Философия когнитивных и нейронаук (очный)

  https://www.hse.ru/edu/courses/646524104

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