HD 6630

Resting-State Functional MRI: Methodological Innovation and Challenges

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2015-2016 Catalog.

Over the last 20 years, substantial knowledge has been gained in understanding the large-scale functional architecture of the human brain by examining the patterns of low-frequency oscillations in fMRI BOLD signal. This scientific advancement has proceeded largely due to substantial innovation in research methods. This course will provide students with a brief history of resting-state fMRI methods and their discoveries, then delve deeply into novel analytic procedures and the cutting edge insights they have gleaned.

Outcomes

• A successful student in will learn how low frequency fMRI BOLD signal allows one to detect and dissociate functional anatomical brain networks
• Students will demonstrate comprehension of core concepts in human brain networks through class participation, presentations and written assignments.
• Students will learn approaches to studying functional connectivity in the brain and assess the strengths and weaknesses of each.
• Students will prepare a literature review describing how changes in network connectivity are associated with behavior in health, development and disease. By completing this assignment and a class presentation students will: a) Improve their ability to clearly and effectively write and communicate, and b) Apply newly acquired knowledge to the critique and evaluation of published scientific reports.

When Offered Spring.

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