1. Review – Objectives Transitioning 4-5
Spikes can be detected from many neurons near the electrode tip. What are some ways to determine which spikes belong to which neurons?
Describe how a tetrode helps isolate spikes
Selection bias can occur when lowering an electrode into a target region. Name two kinds of selection bias.
The inter-spike interval of a putative ‘sorted’ cell can be used as an indicator of the quality of spike sorting. How does it work, and when might it fail?
10:32

2. Review – Objectives Transitioning 4-5
What does a Fourier analysis do to a time-varying signal, like LFPs or ECoG? (Why would a neuroscientist use it?)
Describe an assumption that is made about the signal you process with Fourier analysis. (p.105 and footnote)
Name the two parameters that are orthogonal (i.e. independent) in a Fourier analysis. (Related to previous question)
Describe a solution that allows both of the independent parameters to be characterized (p. 106)
10:40

3. Review – Objectives Cycle 5
Give the term for the magnitude of a given frequency band – one output of a Fourier transform.
An increase in magnitude of the Fourier transform can arise from two separate changes in the signal. Name them. (this relates to the independence question)
Brain oscillations occur at specific frequency bands during specific behavioural states. Collectively, what relationship do the observed bands have? Shown in figure 5.1
List several reasons the brain might have so many oscillations (p. 114)
11:00

4. Review – Objectives Cycle 5
An EEG signal shows a power-law relationship between what two parameters?
Define (or draw) white pink and brown noise and describe ways in which they differ.
Select the type of noise associated with cortical activity, and give and example of when that activity deviates from ‘pink’.
11:00

5. Cycle 6: Oscillations and Synchrony
What is an oscillator?
Name two types of oscillators
Components of oscillations
Define differences between types of oscillators:
Oscillators can be considered at the neuron or neural population level. Give a description at each level.

6. Cycle 6: Oscillations and Synchrony
How could resonance at varying frequencies be accomplished? p. 144
What is the low-information problem and what is a neuron’s default state, giving examples.
Define Synchrony, including the concept of a ‘time constant’.
How does synchrony differ across classes of oscillators?

7. Cycle 6: Oscillations and Synchrony
Define stochastic resonance, providing two ‘scenarios’ of how it could operate in the brain.
Describe features of cell assemblies, and why their action may be useful in encoding patterns.
Describe how synchrony is efficient

8. Cycle 7: Sleep Oscillations and Memory Consolidation
Define memory consolidation and give an example of ‘interference’.
Describe 5 sleep stages. Name an associated oscillation for each stage except for the very first stage entered as you fall asleep.
Describe the association between certain sleep oscillations and memory consolidation; include one manipulation of an oscillation that caused a change in subsequent memory.