Neuroscience Methods from Johns Hopkins University

The course "Neuroscience Methods" provides hands-on experience with cutting-edge neuroscience methods, equipping you to explore how the brain supports perception, attention, memory, and emotion. You'll gain proficiency in using tools such as neuroimaging, biometric systems, psycho-physiological sensors, and eye trackers to collect and analyze complex datasets. Whether you're a postgraduate student or researcher, this course will deepen your understanding of neuroscience tools and their applications, preparing you for innovative work in psychological and health-related fields.

Course Overview and Learning Objectives

This course explores the neural anatomy and cognitive functions related to perception, attention, memory, and emotion. Learners will evaluate the strengths and limitations of different measurement approaches in psychological and neuroscience research. Through a unique combination of theory and practice, this course empowers you to design robust research studies and make informed decisions about measurement tools.

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

• Learn to interpret data through advanced neural imaging and physiological measurement techniques.
• Critically assess the strengths and limitations of different methods.
• Select appropriate tools and methods for research design and data interpretation.

Detailed Syllabus and Modules

Neural Imaging and Data Analysis

This module provides an introduction to brain imaging techniques, with a focus on neural imaging tools and functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). Through the lessons "Visualizing the Mind: An Introduction to Neural Imaging and fNIRS" and "fNIRS: Experiment and Analysis," learners will explore the fundamentals of brain imaging and the application of fNIRS in both experimental settings and data analysis. In this module, you will learn to analyze brain imaging data collected via functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).

The module will also include a brief primer on statistical testing. If students have not taken a statistics course that involves hypothesis testing before, it is wise to review the primer and attend office hours to make sure they understand the necessary content before completing any assignments.

Biometric and Physiological Methods

This module introduces students to various biometric methods, focusing on eye-tracking technologies and other physiological measurement techniques. Through the lessons "Choosing Biometric Methods: Technologies and Techniques" and "Exploring Biometric Techniques: Eye Tracking Insights," learners will gain a deeper understanding of how biometric data is collected and analyzed, with a particular emphasis on the insights provided by eye-tracking technologies.

Eye Tracking Analysis

The "Eye Tracking Analysis" module focuses on the principles and techniques of analyzing eye-tracking data. Through the lesson "Mastering Tobii: Data Import, Visualization, and Metrics," students will learn how to import, visualize, and interpret eye-tracking data, gaining hands-on experience with the Tobii platform to analyze experimental results effectively.

Summary of Core Methodologies

By mastering techniques like functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and eye-tracking analysis, you'll uncover valuable insights into cognitive and emotional processes. Emphasis is placed on interpreting complex datasets and understanding various measurement techniques, including brain imaging, physiological, and qualitative methods.

Key Tools Covered:

• fNIRS: Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for brain imaging and analysis.
• Eye Tracking: Using the Tobii platform for data import, visualization, and metrics.
• Biometrics: Psycho-physiological sensors and physiological measurement techniques.