NEU 505 and CS 525: Special Topics
Brain-Computer Interaction

Course Syllabus


Course: CS 525, Special Topics: Brain-Computer Interaction, Spring 2022
Location: Unity 520
Mondays & Thursdays 1-2:20

Professor: Erin Solovey
Email: esolovey   @   wpi.edu
Office: Fuller Laboratory B21
Office Hours: Posted on website


Overview

This course will explore the current state of brain sensing and its application to human-computer interaction research. We will read important research papers on relevant topics, including background on brain function, sensing technology, machine learning methods, and applications of brain-computer interfaces in various domains.

Coursework will involve reading and critiquing research papers each week, as well as leading 1-3 discussions of research papers, and writing a general audience blog post about a research paper. There will be a required project that you work on over the term, and the scope and focus of the project will vary, depending on the interests and backgrounds of the students in the class.

Goals and Objectives

This course aims for students to (1) obtain the background to conduct research in brain-computer interaction and human-computer interaction; (2) understand the literature in the field of brain sensing for human-computer interaction research; (2) understand the various tools used in brain sensing, with a focus on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) research at WPI; (3) understand the steps required to use real-time brain sensing data as input to an interactive system; (4) understand the domains and contexts in which brain-computer interfaces may be effective; (5) understand the open questions and challenges in brain-computer interaction research today; (6) develop and practice research skills such as writing a technical paper, critically reading research papers, writing a general audience article, and giving technical presentations.

Students will practice research skills such as writing a technical paper, critically reading research papers, writing a general audience article, and giving technical presentations.

Classes

Classes will consist of student presentations and discussions on recent research on brain sensing and human-computer interaction on various topics, including:

Readings

There is no required textbook for this course; We will mainly be reading recent research articles.

Assignments

Assignments will focus on skills needed to conduct research in brain-computer interfaces and human-computer interaction. Each week, there will be 2-4 assigned papers to read. It is expected that students will read the papers and be prepared to discuss in class. We will also use the discussion board in Canvas to reflect on the papers prior to coming to class. In addition, students will lead the discussion of 2-4 papers throughout the semester and write general audience blog posts about research papers.

Project

You'll be choosing a research project and writing a term paper. I will describe this process in more detail, and how to go about finding a project.

Exams & Quizzes

There will be no exams or quizzes.

Grading

All aspects of this course are important for developing an understanding of and appreciation for brain-computer interaction. The grading breakdown will be as follows:

All aspects of this course are important for developing an understanding of and appreciation for brain-computer interaction.

The following final grades are possible: A, B, C, D, F.

If there is a numerical error when computing your final grade from raw scores, please email and we will fix the numerical error.

Policies