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A broad introduction to the fundamental principles and ever-advancing technologies at the interface of neuroscience, bioengineering and computer science. We will explore how neural engineering tools are used to measure, modulate and image the nervous system in the context of neurological function, dysfunction and injury. The course is divided into four sections: 1) Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology; 2) Technologies for monitoring neural activity in vivo (whole brain, from human to small animals) and in vitro (from dissociated cells to slices), EEG fMRI, MEAs, patch clamp electrophysiology recordings; 3) Devices for replacing and restoring neuronal function: implantable electrodes, brain computer interface, deep brain stimulation, and prosthetics; 4) Imaging and computational approaches. The course will cover information processing from the level of single cells, neural circuits and networks to systems and, ultimately, behavior. Prerequisite: Restricted to Neural Engineering majors.

Provides an introduction to the fields of Neuroscience and Neural Engineering. Content includes a systems-level overview of the central nervous system, its blood supply, and its structural and functional features, and its connection to the peripheral nervous system. The course focuses on the mechanisms by which cells create, transmit, integrate, and perceive signals to enable memory, speech, language, pain, consciousness, and mood. Neuroscience fundamentals are taught from the perspective of engineering principles that guide the development and implementation of neural technologies and enable a quantitative understanding of function through modeling. Neural engineering applications include robotics, brain and spinal cord stimulation, non-invasive brain machine interfaces, and virtual reality gamification. Neuroimaging techniques and their application for brain science, as well as the novel tools and devices used to diagnose, monitor and improve neurological function will also be discussed. Upon completion of this course, students will have an understanding of technological developments in neural engineering and a foundational understanding of neurobiology and the pathological mechanisms underlying prevalent disorders of the nervous system. Prerequisite: NE 100, MCB 252. Restricted to Neural Engineering majors.

Introduction to modeling functions of neurons and systems of neurons in the brain. Topics include Boolean signal processing, nonlinear diffusion equations, delay-and-add synaptic signal processing. Integrates information from the structure and physiology from a single neuron up to the assembly of brain circuits. Examples presented to discuss neural circuit and systems include the auditory, and to a lesser extent, visual system. Course concludes with a look at theories of brain function built up from systems of neurons. Same as ECE 410. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: MATH 285 or equivalent. CS 101 or equivalent.

This course will expose students to engineered technologies and strategies currently used to control the behavior of cells in the nervous system, with a special emphasis placed on their applications in regenerative medicine and gene therapy. This course will first introduce students to the pathogenic mechanisms underlying many neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases, with a focus toward identifying potential opportunities for therapeutic intervention. With this foundation in place, students will then be introduced to contemporary strategies for directing the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells to neural cells and tissues, with an emphasis on the role that biomaterials can play in the process. Applications of neural tissue engineering for disease modeling and drug discovery will also be discussed. The course will then introduce students to the genetic technologies that can be used to modulate and dissect the activity of cells in the nervous system, discussing in-depth the potential for these technologies to treat neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders by gene therapy. 3 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. Prerequisite: NE 330 or instructor consent.

This laboratory course, which serves as a companion to Neural Cell and Tissue Engineering, will provide students with a hands-on understanding of many of the concepts and techniques central to this field. Students will take part in an immersive laboratory experience centered on the biomaterial-guided directed differentiation of neural stem cells from pluripotent stem cells and their transplantation into the nervous system of a rodent model for the goal creating a functional neural graft. Cell culture, nucleic acid extraction, qPCR and immunofluorescent imaging are among the laboratory techniques that students will become proficient in. Data quantitation, methods for statistical analysis and scientific writing are emphasized. 4 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. Prerequisite: NE 330 or instructor consent. Concurrent enrollment or credit in NE 430 is required.