Computational Neuroscience/BCI Research Career (Advice Needed :S )

[ndy890]

Hi everyone :) I am looking for some career/academic advice and didn't know where else to ask!

I'm going to be doing a Master of Biomedical Science (Neuroscience) next year, here is the course outline:

Yr1:
- Biomedical Science Research in Context—Literature Review
- Global Challenges in Biomedical Science
- Human Neurobiology
- Comparative Neurobiology
- Advanced Neuroscience 1
- Advanced Neuroscience 2
- Physiology of Cells
- Neuroendocrinology

Yr2:
- Marine Neuroecology and Behaviour
- Modern Research Tools in Neuroscience
- Advanced Research Techniques
- Neurodevelopment and its Disorders
- Literature Review and Research Proposal (Dissertation)
- Science Research Project Part 1 (Dissertation)
- Science Research Project Part 2 (Dissertation)
- Science Research Project Part 3 (Dissertation)

The problem I feel that I have here, is that none of these units deal much with computational neuro. I would very much like to go on to do a PhD in Computational/Brain-Computer Interface research and so would love to something related to that in this Masters Dissertation. But I think the first year of this course would leave me at a disadvantage. So does anyone have any advice how I could go about learning the computational side of things on my own? Is it a steep learning curve? Do you think its possible to prepare myself for a Masters Diss./PhD in this area without formal academic education?

- So far, I'm planning to soon start learning Python through codeacademy, but of course that is very superficial. Where should I go after that to learn more/get applied programming practice?

- I also have introductory calculus level knowledge of math, including functions, differentiation, integration, inequalities, optimisation. What areas of math should I know before I start my masters dissertation?

- I also have no engineering knowledge, and I am thinking that this might be necessary if researching in the Brain-Computer Interface area. How would I also go about getting this knowledge without formal education?

As you can probably tell, I'm desperate for guidance.Thank you in advance for anyone willing to help! :)

Nate

 

[FactChecker]

Are you talking about something like neural networks and artificial intelligence or about communication between the brain and devices (mind control of artificial limbs, cochlear implants, etc.) or about man-machine interfaces like pilot-vehicle interface (display / controls design)?

Or not sure yet?