The Development of Object and Face Recognition OpenCourseWare: A Free Online Graduate Study Science Course by MIT

Published Jan 27, 2009

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The Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) free OpenCourseWare science class 'The Development of Object and Face Recognition' explores how a brain begins to organize visual images. Students should have a background in cognitive science to understand this graduate course.

The Development of Object and Face Recognition: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Graduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
No Yes No

The Development of Object and Face Recognition: Course Description

Students seeking to understand the processes the brain goes through to recognize objects and faces should take this OpenCourseWare from the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT in Cambridge, MA.

The course begins with the basic visual development of neurons and their behavior. Students consider experimental data from research in humans, kittens and macaques. Course data covers infants and adults so that students can analyze the development of the brain. As an example, students will learn how the brain determines spatial depth from the shadows cast by an object. The course continues by examining the development of perceptual organization. One example explains how infants begin to perceive objects that are partially blocked from view. Next, students study the brain's development in interpreting eye movement and motion. Finally, students examine how brain imaging has helped them view the development of object recognition. Cognitive science professor Dr. Pawan Sinha teaches this course. Students must have access to the required readings and a reliable Internet connection.

This OpenCourseWare includes a syllabus, required readings list and assignment instructions. Those interested in this free course should visit the Development of Object and Face Recognition course page.

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