ILAS Z002043@Kyoto University

Minds and Machines- Can a Machine Think?

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This course examines the nature of mind and the prospect of artificial intelligence. You will have class discussions and debates about issues such as “What is the mind?” and “Can a machine think?” During the course, you will learn to make philosophical and scientific arguments, and to express them in writing and presentation. Final project is to build a LEGO robot for a sumo challenge (no programming experience required).

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Course Objectives:

• To investigate fundamental issues relating to minds and machines philosophically and scientifically.

• To express investigation results in discussion, writing, and presentation.

• To design an autonomous LEGO robot. 

• To work with others as both a team member and leader.

ILAS Z002042@Kyoto University

Introduction to Computational Neuroscience

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How do neurons in our brain process information? How can the understanding of our brain help solving medical and engineering problems we’re facing today? In this hands-on course, students will learn to analyze real neural data with MATLAB/Octave, and share their works through discussion and presentation. This class is for the student who is interested in computational neuroscience but fears computer programming. Students with no neuroscience and programming backgrounds are welcome.

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Course Objectives:

• To learn neuroscience from a quantitative perspective. 

• To program in a popular programing language MATLAB/Octave.

• To work with real data and solve real world problems.

• To share experience in discussion, writing, and presentation.

ILAS N917001@Kyoto University

Fundamentals of Neuroscience

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This course covers the basic background required to understand how networks of neurons could generate complex functions of the brain. You will learn topics ranging from the electrical properties of an individual neuron to higher brain functions, such as memory and consciousness. In this class, I will put more emphasis on big picture concepts, which I believe are more meaningful than memorizing a lot of facts and details that you can easily look up.
 

Course Objectives:

• To understand the basic components of the nervous system.

• To appreciate the complexity of brain functions and to understand their biological basis. 

• To review and share neuroscience topics through presentation and discussion.

ILAS N918001@Kyoto University

Introduction to Human Physiology

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This course covers the basic background required to understand how the major organ systems of the human body perform their normal functions and how they work together to maintain our health. You will connect the knowledge learned in the class to your everyday life. This class aims primarily at students who have minimal to no biology background.

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Course Objectives:

• To understand the function of the major organs and organ systems of the human body.

• To develop a vocabulary to effectively communicate information related to anatomy and physiology.

• To review and share physiology topics through presentation and discussion.