Debugging the Brain: Computational Approaches to Mental Dysfunction

Course Number(s): 
PSY 1451
Instructor(s): 
School(s): 

Semester: 

  • Fall 2022

Course Level: 

  • Graduate, Undergraduate
Class Days/Times: 
Thu 9:45am to 11:45am
Course Description: 

This course examines recent work applying computational models to mental disorders. These models formalize psychopathology in terms of breakdown in fundamental neurocognitive processes, linking normal and abnormal brain function within a common framework. Computational modeling has already begun to yield insights, and even possible treatments, for a wide range of disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, Parkinson’s, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The course will consist of weekly readings from the primary literature, with one student leading the discussion of each paper.