HD 4630 - Introduction to Functional MRI Analysis for Human Neuroimaging

(PBS-HE, SBA-HE) (CU-UGR)

Fall (not offered every year). 3 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: basic statistics and basic biological basis of behavior course.
Recommended prerequisite: basic Unix or Python scripting. Co-meets with HD 6635.

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 becomes 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. The final project will include submitting a fMRI study proposal complete with a literature review and analysis plan.

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 popular and 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 review the literature and design and propose an fMRI study complete with analysis plan.