Name: Mind & Machine — Smart robots, brain chips and intelligent software: science or fiction?
Code:
Studypoints: 6 ECTS

Course Program: Program_mindmachine.pdf (394.06 KB)

Period: week 2-5 (7 january-1 february 2013)

Coordinator: Dr. Niels Cornelisse, Dr. Klaus Linkenkaer-Hansen

Lecturers: Peter Desain, Natalie van der Wal, Niels Cornelisse, Klaus Linkenkaer-Hansen

Goal: To learn about the integration of brains and computers within the themes of (1) creating an artificial brain, (2) integrating brains and computers, and (3) applications of neural strategies.

Course Content: People have always been fascinated with the idea to create intelligent robots or to integrate computers in the brain to manipulate or enhance its performance. In this course, the current status in creating artificial brains and artificial intelligence is discussed. Students learn the theory behind integrating brains and computers, and experience hands-on how brain activity can control computers to write or play computer games. The application of neural strategies and artificial intelligence to solve societal problems is explained and demonstrated during visits to commercial partners. Students work in groups to investigate how close science has come to science fiction for specific themes

Method: Lectures, practicals, group project and poster presentation

Literature: TBD

Testing: Poster presentation and written exam

Focus Group: Third year bachelor students

Participation: Two years of bachelor education (all directions)

Central Academic Skills:
Search, sort and review literature.
Perform experiments with human subjects.
Relate ideas and concepts (film) to reality (science).
Think out of the box: imagination may push basic science into applications and create business opportunities.
Present and defend data and opinions (poster and PowerPoint).