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HD 6635 - Introduction to Scripting for Functional MRI Analysis in Human Neuroimaging


(PBS-HE, SBA-HE)      
Fall (not offered every year). 3 credits. Letter grades only.

Recommended Prerequisite: basic understanding of statistics; basic understanding of biological basis of behavior; general computer literacy and familiarity or interest in scripting. Co-meets with HD 4630  

M.Z. Gonzalez.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging is a relatively new method of observing relationships between in-vivo neural activity and behavior. This method is a truly interdisciplinary feat combining engineering, physics, and biology, but is at times reduced in popular media as "pretty brain pictures." In this course, students will learn the promises and limitations of fMRI methods and become educated consumers and skeptics of both popular and scientific literature. In addition, students will have hands on experience in analyzing fMRI data from preprocessing to higher-level techniques using univariate and multivariate analyses. Beyond this, graduate students will learn how to use scripting in python to create neuroimaging paradigms, automate analyses, and create analyses pipelines using python and unix. The final project will be an oral presentation and a written study proposal to include a literature review, an fMRI paradigm, and an analysis pipeline for a future study.

Outcome 1: Learn how to process, analyze, and interpret fMRI data.

Outcome 2: Learn basic scripting to facilitate fMRI data analysis.

Outcome 3: Learn how to consume and evaluate empirical scientific literature in human neuroscience.

Outcome 4: Develop written and verbal communication skills in the service of productive scientific dialogue through class discussion, written assignments, and presentations.

Outcome 5: Learn how to conduct a human neuroscience literature review.

Outcome 6: Learn how to design and propose an fMRI study complete with an analysis plan.


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