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ECEN 5811 - Neural Signals and Functional Brain Imaging

3 credit hours
Meets with ECEN 4811, ASEN 4216, and ASEN 5216

On-Line Course Materials

Description: Explores bioelectric and metabolic signals generated by the nervous system from two standpoints: Their biophysical genesis and role in neural integration, and neurotechnologies such as electroencephalography, magnetoencephalography, deep brain stimulation, and functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Prerequisite: ECEN 2260, Circuits/Electronics 2

Textbook: Instructor Notes

Course Objectives: To introduce students with primarily engineering or physical science backgrounds to brain science concepts--particularly at the individual nerve cell operational level.

Topics:

  1. The reasons for studying neuroelectrical signals.
  2. The cellular basis of neural activity.
  3. Cell membrane structure and electrochemistry.
  4. Ionic equilibria across membranes.
  5. Resting and action potentials.
  6. Control of ionic permeability.
  7. Propagation of neural impulses.
  8. Synaptic transmission.
  9. Release of neuro-transmitters.
  10. Sensory transduction.
  11. Active transport in neurons.
  12. Glia and homeostatic control of neuronal activity.
Class Schedule: 3 hours of lecture per week

Contribution of course to meeting Criterion 4, the professional component: This course provides 3 semester hours of electrical engineering topics consisting of engineering sciences and engineering design.

Relationship of course to program outcomes: This course is not required and is not included in outcomes assessment.

Prepared by: H. Wachtel and V. Heuring
May 16, 2005