HD 6635

Introduction to python for functional MRI analysis in human neuroimaging

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2018-2019.

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. Beyond this, graduate students will learn how to use scripting in Python to create neuroimaging paradigms, automate analyses, and create analyses pipelines suing Nipype. The final project will be an oral presentation and a written study proposal to include a literature review, an fMRI paradigm to be tested in the fMRI facility, and an analysis pipeline for a future study.

When Offered Spring (not offered every year).

Prerequisites/Corequisites Recommended prerequisites: basic understanding of statistics; basic understanding of biological basis of behavior; general computer literacy/willingness to learn.

Distribution Category (PBS-HE, SBA-HE)

• Learn how to process, analyze, and interpret fMRI data.
• Learn basic scripting to facilitate fMRI data analysis.
• Develop written and verbal communication skills in the service of productive scientific dialogue through class discussion, written assignments, and presentations.
• Learn how to conduct a human neuroscience literature review.
• Learn how to design and propose an fMRI study complete with analysis plan.

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