This course provides a broad, non-technical overview of the field of neurotechnology. It is intended to provide users with a fundamental understanding of how neurotechnology works. This course will provide users with a solid knowledge base so that they are able to define neurotechnology, learn of the applications and use cases from medical to recreational, understand who does or will use neurotechnolgy, learn about many different types of brain-interfaces and how they work, gain a basic neuroscience understanding though a neurotechnologist lens, and engage in ethical questions related to the field.
Foundations of Neurotechnology
Course Features
Videos
Lectures
Course Compendia
Lessons of this Course
1
1
Duration:
11:02
Speaker:
In this module you will learn the basics of Brain Computer Interface (BCI). You will read an introduction to the different technologies available, the main components and steps required for BCI, associated safety and ethical issues, as well as an overview about the future of the field.
2
2
Duration:
10:49
Speaker:
In this module, users will learn about the different types of neurotechnology and how each of them works. This will be done through the metaphor of going to a symphony... in your brain. Like a symphony, brain processes emerge from collections of neural activity. This video encourages us to imagine ourselves moving to different areas in the concert hall to understand where different technologies interface. Once the concert ends, we talk about underlying neural mechanisms and technology that allow researchers and innovators to interact with the brain.
3
3
Duration:
6:57
Speaker:
This module addresses how neurotechnology is currently used for medical and non-medical applications, and how it might advance in the future.
4
4
Duration:
12:53
Speaker:
This module covers a brief history of the neurotechnology industry, bringing the history of brain-computer interfacing to life through engaging skits and stories.
5
5
Duration:
11:54
Speaker:
This module covers some basic anatomy such as the brain’s major divisions (brainstem, cerebellum, cerebrum), the cerebral lobes (frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital), the central and peripheral nervous systems, theories of cognition, and brain orientation terms.
6
6
Duration:
7:17
Speaker:
This module explores sensation in the brain: what organs are involved, sensory pathways, processing centers, and theories of integration.
7
7
Duration:
5:00
Speaker:
This module covers how the brain interacts with the world through motor movements. Motor movements underlie so much of our functioning, our speech, the opening and closing of our eyes, and the beating of our hearts.
8
8
Duration:
8:31
Speaker:
This lesson provides an overview of the structure and function of the neuron, its components and mechanisms, action potentials, and the many glial cells that support it.
9
9
Duration:
7:13
Speaker:
This module explains how neurons come together to create the networks that give rise to our thoughts. The totality of our neurons and their connection is called our connectome. Learn how this connectome changes as we learn, and computes information.
10
10
Duration:
9:40
Speaker:
This module covers many types of invasive neurotechnology devices/interfaces for the central and peripheral nervous systems. Invasive neurotech devices are crucial, as they often provide the greatest accuracy and long-term use applicability.
11
11
Duration:
13:36
Speaker:
This module covers many of the types of non-invasive neurotech and neuroimaging devices including electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), electroneurography (ENG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), and more.
12
12
Duration:
12:18
Speaker:
Neuromodulation refers to devices that influence the firing of neurons which can be useful in many medical applications. This modules covers what neuromodulation is, how it affects the functioning of neurons, and the many forms that these devices take on.
13
13
Duration:
8:35
Speaker:
This modules covers neuroprosthetic and cognitive enhancement devices that can help augment our capabilities by enhancing memory, as well as restoring or improving our senses.
14
14
Duration:
14:47
Speaker:
This module goes over the methods that neurotechnologists use to turn brain data into commands a computer or a machine can understand. We cover data collection, processing, filtering, analysis, how to generate an action in a device, asynchronous BCIs that use population encoding, and synchronous BCIs that use P300, SSVEP, N100, and N400 signals.
15
15
Duration:
16:39
Speaker:
This module covers the many things that brain-computer interfaces can and will be able to do, including motor neuroprosthetics like prosthetic arms, exosuits, and vehicle control, as well as computer and machine interfacing use-cases.
16
16
Duration:
12:03
Speaker:
This module covers how neurotechnology is perceived in media today. We discuss a few specific films and talk about how the perception of neurotechnology changes with our media. Finally, we introduce a few interesting terms related to ethics and address some future issues the technology may cause.
17
17
Duration:
16:06
Speaker:
What will happen to the mind and our personalities when we start modifying our brains and bodies with technology? What is the mind and how should we think about it? What is a cyborg and what makes them human? Where is the line between these? This video invites us to think about what the future of consciousness might look like.
