Sensory Function and Computation (C1157)
Sensory Function and Computation
Module C1157
Module details for 2022/23.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
Comparing the organisation of sensory modalities reveals common conceptual principles underlying how sensory information is processed and transformed, as well as mechanisms characteristic to each modality, which correspond to the distinct ways in which the nervous system extracts signals from different types of physical energy. This module will teach fundamental concepts in sensory coding: feature detection, adaptive representations, coding by spike rates and timing, and population coding. It will incorporate seminars as well as workshops where computer code will be introduced and used to analyse and simulate sensory coding by neurons.
Module learning outcomes
Systematically identify the detailed layouts and structure of sensory pathways in the nervous system, and derive common principles from a comparative analysis
Demonstrate understanding of how specific aspects of sensory system structure relate to function, and critically evaluate the validity of the current research approaches used to frame and determine those relationships
Establish and analyse the main computational principles of sensory processing as reflected in neuronal activity
Use computational techniques including programming languages to develop and carry out analyses and simulations of sensory information processing
| Type | Timing | Weighting | 
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Problem Set | T2 Week 9 | 35.00% | 
| Essay | T2 Week 11 | 65.00% | 
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 22222222220 | 
| Spring Semester | Workshop | 3 hours | 00101010000 | 
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 2 hours | 00100100100 | 
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Prof Miguel Maravall Rodriguez
Assess convenor
/profiles/371072
Prof Leon Lagnado
Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/179337
Prof Thomas Baden
Assess convenor
/profiles/379418
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