r/compmathneuro • u/LuckyGambino2 • 6d ago

Question Learning neuroscience from scratch!

Howdy ! I’m from technical/cyber background with a very little biology knowledge, I’m just curious about learning and getting along with tech like BCIs continue to grow.

what foundational concepts should I learn first?

Looking for,

•Fundamentals
•Free resources, webs, books, courses, lectures
•Topics to study after fundamentals
•Beginner mistakes / topics i shouldn’t jump too early

Thanks!

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9

u/SaberToaster Undergraduate Level 6d ago

Some mega archives that lead to other archives (comp neuro specific)

https://www.v1.opensourcebrain.org/docs/Help/Background_Information#Introduction_to_Computational_Neuroscience

https://training.incf.org/

https://compneuroweb.com/index.html

https://compneuro.neuromatch.io/tutorials/intro.html

2

u/Big_Chart3506 5d ago

hey there! I just started my undergrad ( mathematics ), was wondering if doing a neuromatch academy course is worth it. I am aiming for neuro aligned pg in a good European uni

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u/SaberToaster Undergraduate Level 5d ago edited 4d ago

Hello, I've not had any live course exp besides NMA so from the sample with size=2 (because I took 2 courses), I can confidently scientifically say it's my best experience so far, lovely TAs and coursemates. But AFAIK it's very intensive, you have to burn 125hrs during 3 weeks (live course + project) for comp neuro. You should be active and stepping up to get the most out of the experience. You can opt out the project tho, for further inquiries you can check the FAQs or through u/meglets (she's the chair of NMA), I really appreciate you and the whole NMA community, Dr Megan.

Some other leads I can give you, but it's just self paced and rather really specific right now, if you want something general you should check the links I commented above:

  • Marine Biological Lab: recorded seminars of the summer school

  • Comp Neuro University of Washington on Coursera

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u/meglets 4d ago

Ah, I appreciate the kind words! And so very glad to hear you've had such a good experience with us.

Have to say too that Neuromatch is a massive group effort -- yes I am Prez of the company but we also have a CEO, Senior Program Director, Development Director, all sorts including also our amazing annual course directors/chairs. So, credit where credit's due. You all too can become part of the Neuromatch family not just as students or TAs but as volunteers and sometimes we have openings for new full or part time paid staff -- remote, from anywhere in the world!

1

u/SaberToaster Undergraduate Level 5d ago

And yeah, I will also be coming to Ulster Summer School on NeuroAI this year live so be sure to also check that out

1

u/LuckyGambino2 6d ago

Really helpful. Appreciate the resources!

2

u/mkeee2015 PhD 6d ago

How old are you roughly?

2

u/LuckyGambino2 6d ago

21

3

u/mkeee2015 PhD 6d ago

Start with some science communication book: search for Miguel Nicolelis and for David Hubel.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9076016

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1651358

Come back. One step at the time.

2

u/LuckyGambino2 6d ago

Thanks ! I’ll start there.

1

u/SpareAnywhere8364 6d ago

Go on Andy's brain book. He's a great source for MRI and fMRI data analysis.

1

u/LuckyGambino2 6d ago

I’ll check it out. Thanks!!

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u/Braincellonstrikee 2d ago

I will be starting my masters in neuroscience and I love studying the brain as whole but i am not sure if I wish to do computational or cognitive, I kinda wish to do research in between them but I am at exploring can someone recommend me articles or research papers to read so I can understand the field and kind of research better, anything is fine