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Abstract
Der Bereich Praktika, Projekte, Seminare umfasst Lehrveranstaltungen in unterschiedlichen Formaten zum Erwerb von praktischen Kenntnissen und Fertigkeiten. Ausserdem soll selbstständiges Experimentieren und Gestalten gefördert, exploratives Lernen ermöglicht und die Methodik von Projektarbeiten vermittelt werden.
Objective
The way memory and learning is achieved in the brain is an unsolved problem. Due to its relative simplicity, in-vitro neuroscience can help us discover the fundamentals of information processing in the brain. For this we can build a network of biological neurons on top of an array of microelectrodes. Such an approach allows us to record the electrical activity of the neurons when they get stimulated. Following this approach, we can investigate biological neural networks, that have about 5-50 neurons and a controlled network architecture. Still, their behavior remains highly unpredictable. Therefore, it is not yet clear how such networks need to be stimulated electrically in order to control their behavior. However, we can use machine learning to find a mapping between a stimulus and a desired response. More specifically, we can use reinforcement learning to find stimulation patterns that achieve a specified goal. This P&S consists of two parts. In the first part we will introduce you to the way neurons can be cultured in vitro. You will learn how to seed and grow the culture of neurons on a multi-electrode array (MEA). Next you will stimulate given networks and record data. The second part will be about machine learning. We will discuss the basics of both artificial neural networks (ANN) and reinforcement learning (RL). As homework exercises you will design and train ANNs and develop reinforcement learning agents to control your biological networks. Your controlled biological networks will participate in a competition in performing a final challenge. This P&S will be given in English. In total, the P&S takes 10 afternoons and about 60 hours of homework (ANN implementation).
Content
Important information to students: - This P&S will be given in English. - In total, the P&S takes 8 afternoons and about 40 hours of homework (ANN implementation).