Basic Overview of Human Brain Course

Introduction

• Class introduction by Nancy Kanwisher at 11:05 AM.

• The course is titled "Nine Thirteen, The Human Brain".

• Professor Kanwisher emphasizes she has a brain and will share insights about its study.

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Introduction

• Class introduction by Nancy Kanwisher at 11:05 AM.

• The course is titled "Nine Thirteen, The Human Brain".

• Professor Kanwisher emphasizes she has a brain and will share insights about its study.

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Agenda

• Storytelling: A brief story to illustrate themes of the course.

• Course Mechanics: Discussing how the course will be structured and grading allocations, all detailed in the syllabus.

Story About Bob

• Setting: A personal story about a close friend, referred to as Bob, who experienced a serious medical situation.

• Incident: Bob stayed overnight prior to a conference. The following morning, he was found unconscious on the floor.

• Emergency Response: The professor called 911; Bob regained consciousness but initially couldn't explain what happened.

• Hospital Experience: Despite tests and monitoring, the medical team initially found no clear problems.

Concerns About Bob's Brain

• The professor noted Bob had exhibited signs of navigational difficulties for years (showing confusion about familiar locations).

• Professor’s expertise led to the suggestion of a brain check, building on her years of research in understanding brain functions.

• Her realization of the necessity to seek brain scans emerged during this hospital visit.

Discovery of a Tumor

• A tumor was discovered in Bob's brain, described as a "lime" size, raising concerns around location and function.

• The tumor's position was adjacent to the parahippocampal area known for navigation, indicating a possible cause for Bob's navigation difficulties.

• Previous data from the professor's lab indicated this region was studied as related to navigational functions and mental mapping.

Brain Structure & Function

• Brain areas have specific functions, where damage to one part can impair a particular ability (like spatial navigation) without affecting overall intelligence.

• Example provided: Bob could still fulfill social roles and tasks despite navigation impairment, illustrating specializations in brain functions.

Implications of Brain Damage

• Long-term Outcomes: Bob's navigation ability did not return after surgery, showcasing the challenges of recovery from specific brain injuries.

• Bob relies on technologies (like GPS) for navigation, highlighting adaptations to brain function losses.

Themes of the Course

1. Brain Organization: The brain is structured, with distinct parts responsible for specific functions.

2. Mental Ability Loss: Loss of navigational skills doesn't equate to a general decline in intelligence.

3. Methods of Study: Utilizes varied approaches including cognitive science, neuropsychology, and brain imaging.

4. Brain Development: Differences in recovery potential based on age and brain plasticity.

Why Study the Brain?

• Self-Understanding: The brain defines identity and consciousness.

• Understanding Knowledge Limits: Evaluating what human cognition can achieve.

• Advancing AI: Insights into brain function contribute to better AI systems, revealing human-like capabilities.

• Scientific Inquiry: Deep diving into the brain represents one of the most significant scientific pursuits of our time.

How to Study the Brain

• Various levels of organization exist from molecular interactions to entire brain systems.

• Focus of the course will be on understanding the relationship of mind functions and their brain basis.

Course Methodologies

• Traditional cognitive science methods (reaction times, perceptual illusions).

• Neuropsychology through case studies to identify abilities and losses.

• Functional MRI and other techniques for studying brain activity, with an aim to connect cognitive functions with brain regions.

Structure of the Course

• Course organized around significant cognitive functions like perception, language, and navigation with a mix of case studies and neuroanatomy.

• Each function assessed for specialized brain mechanisms, including studies on brain injuries, development, and evolution.

Course Logistics

• Course grading outlined (midterms, final, reading assignments).

• Emphasis on understanding current studies rather than memorization, with expectations to engage deeply with research articles.

Conclusion

• Students will gain insight into foundational questions in cognitive neuroscience, methods of studying the brain, and the interplay between brain structure and cognitive function.

• Engaging primarily with fresh research to ensure relevance and cutting-edge understanding in the neuroscience field.