PSYC 043. Computational Methods for Psychology and Neuroscience

This course will introduce students to computational methods for studying the links between brain and behavior. Through the lens of human brain imaging and related signals, we will study several foundational concepts behind signal processing and neuroimaging: time and frequency domains, filtering, referencing, baseline correction, and signal convolution and decomposition. We apply these principles to direct (e.g., electrophysiological) and indirect (e.g., hemodynamic) measures of neural activity. Students gain experience with these methods and their applications through computer-based demonstrations and lab assignments: visualizing and analyzing data, performing statistical tests, and writing reports of their findings. Familiarity with a scripting language (like Matlab, R, or Python) is helpful and highly recommended, but it is not required.

This course counts toward the Group A Neuroscience elective.

Prerequisite: Prerequisites:

STAT 011 or equivalent
A core course in neuroscience or cognitive psychology, such as BIOL 022, BIOL 027, PSYC 030, PSYC 031, PSYC 031A, PSYC 032, PSYC 033 (or equivalent)
Students with related experience or coursework in other disciplines (e.g., computer science, mathematics/statistics, engineering) are strongly encouraged to contact the instructor to discuss alternatives for the prerequisites.

Social sciences
1 credit.
Fall 2024. Zinszer.
Fall 2025. Staff.
Catalog chapter: Psychology
Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/psychology

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