Computational Neuroscience, Cognition and AI MSc

This module will provide an introduction to the main concepts and methods of machine learning. It introduces the basics of supervised, unsupervised and reinforcement learning as applied to regression, classification, density estimation, data generation, clustering and optimal control. It will be taught via two sessions per week through a combination of fundamental concepts and hands-on applications.

The aim of this module is to teach you cognitive psychology but also how cognition can be understood in computational terms, simulation and how it compares to AI approaches.

Content includes:

• cognitive psychology
• computational approaches
• connectionist networks
• deep nets for vision audition and language
• memory networks

The aim of this module is to teach you how neural processes can be understood in computational terms and how they can be analysed using mathematical and computational methods.

Topics included:

• biophysical and reduced models of neurons
• models of networks (eg Hopfield networks, ring-attractors and rate networks)
• models of synaptic plasticity and memory
• perceptrons
• unsupervised learning
• neural coding
• visual system
• model fitting

In a typical research project, you will either:

(a) develop an experimental design, prepare stimuli, and to run a study in a small group of subjects, with technical support provided depending on the complexity of the measurement methods, or

(b) evaluate an existing set of, for example, fMRI, MEG, EEG or TMS data and interpret the results

This module involves the application of mathematical modelling to practical problems in biology and medicine, typical of those that mathematicians and systems biologists encounter in academia and industry.

Specific projects are tackled through workshops and group activities. You will gain experience in applying a variety of mathematical modelling approaches to a range of biomedical problems.

Examples include:

• modelling cell signalling pathways using Ordinary Differential Equations
• fitting models to data
• modelling spatial patterning using Partial Differential Equations
• modelling biological tissues using individual-based models
• modelling tissue growth, including cancer.

The course will include training in report writing and giving presentations.

You will examine current techniques for the extraction of useful information about a physical situation from individual and sets of images. You will learn a range of methods and applications, with particular emphasis being placed on the detection and identification of objects, image segmentation, pose estimation, recovery of three-dimensional shape and analysis of motion. These problems will be approached with both traditional and modern computer vision approaches, including deep learning.

The purpose of this module is to provide an introduction to quantum computing with an emphasis on being able to run quantum circuits on existing and near-term quantum computers. It will introduce essential elementary concepts from quantum mechanics and quantum information, as well as exploring how quantum computers may be utilised in the context of machine learning.

It will introduce the language of quantum computing – qubits, unitary quantum gates, and quantum circuits – and will consider how quantum parallelism may provide an advantage over existing numerical methods. It will additionally cover the use of basic quantum programming languages with the goal of running simple quantum circuits on simulated and real quantum computers. The module will be accessible to all students of the MLiS MSc irrespective of whether they have any background in quantum mechanics.

The module provides an insight into some more advanced or specialised techniques of data collection, organisation and analysis in psychological research (eg eye-tracking, EEG, fMRI, fNIRS, systematic reviews). 

This module will cover more advanced topics following from Machine Learning in Science Part 1, specifically the concepts and methods of modern deep learning. Topics include deep neural networks, CNNs, RNNs, GANs, LLMs, autoencoders, transfer learning, reinforcement learning, interpretable machine learning and Markov decision processes, cleaning data and handling large data sets The main project for the module is the self-driving PiCar, as seen in this video.

You will cover general research skills and personal development skills. The module includes a number of workshops including presentation and writing skills, careers, understanding the wider context of research, consultancy, and practical and ethical issues, along with appropriate Graduate School courses.

Experience a brain imaging session at our on-campus MRI centre. You will then analyse one of the data sets in further lab classes. 

You will be introduced to some of the standard tools used across many labs (including FSL, the FMRIB Software Library from Oxford).

This module will give you a comprehensive overview of the principles of programming, including procedural logic, variables, flow control, input and output and the analysis and design of programs. Instruction will be provided in an object-oriented programming language.

Examine theories and experimental studies of social processes and human development.

Topics relating to social processes will include:

• social cognition and social thinking
• conformity and obedience
• intergroup behaviour
• theories of attraction and relationships
• prosocial behaviour and intrinsic motivation
• self-determination

Human development topics are also explored in depth such as the:

• development of phonology
• importance of social referencing in early language acquisition
• atypical socio-cognitive development in people with autism

This module will cover issues in neuroscience and behaviour that are particularly relevant to understanding the biological bases of psychological functions.

Among the topics to be covered are psychopharmacology, psychobiological explanations of mental disorders, dementia, sexual development and behaviour, and methods of studying neuropsychological processes.

You will also examine the effects of brain damage on mental functioning including amnesias, agnosias, and aphasias, among other topics.