This drawing by the Dutch psychophysicist J.F. Schouten (1969) illustrates
three complementary approaches to the study of sensory systems: psychological,
physiological, and computational. This course uses all three approaches
for introducing the auditory system.
Catalog Description
Neural structures and mechanisms mediating the detection, localization and
recognition of sounds. We will discuss how acoustic signals are coded by
auditory neurons, the impact of these codes on behavioral performance, and the
circuitry and cellular mechanisms underlying signal transformations.
Topics include temporal coding, neural maps and feature detectors, learning and
plasticity, and feedback control. General principles are conveyed by theme
discussions of auditory masking, sound localization,
musical pitch, speech coding, and auditory scene analysis.
Who should take the course?
Anyone interested in auditory perception and the underlying neural
mechanisms. The course is required for graduate students in the Speech and
Hearing Bioscience and Technology Program. It is also appropriate for students in
Brain and Cognitive Sciences or Electrical Engineering and Computer Science with
an interest in hearing. Some familiarity with peripheral mechanisms of
hearing (how the ear works) and biophysics of neurons is expected.
Appropriate prerequisites include HST.714/6.551,
HST.721,
6.521J/HST.541J, or
9.04. Students unsure of their background should consult one of the
instructors.
How does the course work?
Much of the learning is done by theme discussions
of scientific papers. A block of lectures provides
the background for reading the papers in each theme. Students are expected
to read all the theme papers, then each paper is presented orally to the class
by one student, followed by a discussion. At the end of a theme
discussion, students write a report summarizing what they learned from the
papers. The course also includes four laboratory
exercises providing hands-on experience with neurophysiological,
computational, and psychophysical techniques.
Related Programs and Laboratories
