Is there any branch of physics related to the brain, consciousness and the mind?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the intersection of physics with the study of the brain, consciousness, and the mind. Participants explore potential academic paths and research areas that combine these fields, as well as the relevance of computational neuroscience and biophysics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to find a PhD subject that merges physics with brain and consciousness studies, noting a lack of resources on the topic.
  • Another participant mentions a pattern recognition group at Brown Applied Math as a relevant area.
  • A suggestion is made to explore the concept of quantum mind, although it is noted that quantum consciousness is not widely accepted in neuroscience.
  • Some participants highlight that many physicists transition into computational neuroscience, focusing on areas such as sensory processing and cognition.
  • There is a mention of a lack of computational training among biologists, which may limit the number of researchers in computational neuroscience.
  • Participants recommend specific institutions, such as Rockefeller University and Caltech, that have physics-related brain research labs.
  • Questions are raised about the necessity of chemistry knowledge for understanding brain-related physics, with mixed responses regarding its importance.
  • One participant shares an anecdote about a theoretical neurobiologist who claimed not to need chemistry knowledge for their work.
  • Another participant suggests looking into computational neuroscience and artificial intelligence as potential fields of study, particularly for those with a background in computer science.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the relevance of physics to neuroscience, with some suggesting specific paths while others question the necessity of certain knowledge areas. There is no consensus on a distinct branch of physics dedicated to consciousness or the mind.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in the overlap between physics and neuroscience, particularly regarding the training and background required for research in these areas. The discussion reflects varying levels of interest and expertise in related fields.

jeebs
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I'm a physics student and I graduate in a few months. I have been looking for PhD's because I want to carry on learning physics but have so far struggled to find a PhD subject that really caught my eye.
I do, however, have an interest in the brain, the mind and consciousness (although I have no formal education in any of that). It occurred to me that if I could continue my studies in something that combined both physics and brain/mind/consciousness stuff, that would be perfect. However, googling around has not really turned up anything helpful so I thought I would ask here.
Does such a branch of physics even exist, and if so, is it active in 2011?
 
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There is a very good pattern recognition group at Brown Applied Math.
 
Quantum consciousness isn't seen as a reasonable approach to studying neuroscience. A lot of physicists go into computational neuroscience and research sensory processing, axonal development/processing, memory/synaptic plasticity, neural network behaviour, cognition/learning and consciousness.
 
I think that there are loads of people in neuroscience(at least in Europe way more people are interested in neuroscience than in physics), not that many it seems in the computational area, since biologist are not trained in computation that much.My girlfriend Has Maths background and she applied for a PHd in computational ( in this case statistical)neuroscience.
I am interested in the field very much as well .
 
Try Physics and Mathematical Biology at Rockefeller University. There are about three different labs working on brain-related research from a physics perspective.
 
Christof Koch's lab (http://www.klab.caltech.edu/) is physics-intensive, as is the CNS department at Caltech. Koch was trained in physics.
 
I have a question as well ,for those of you who are in the field.
How far can you go without solid chemistry knowledge in this field? I mean I suppose you can do a lot of modelling but for deeper understanding one needs chemistry?? The only subject I never liked... and still I am as well very interested in the brain

I anticipate your answers...
 
I have a question as well ,for those of you who are in the field.
How far can you go without solid chemistry knowledge in this field? I mean I suppose you can do a lot of modelling but for deeper understanding one needs chemistry?? The only subject I never liked... and still I am as well very interested in the brain

I anticipate your answers...

A theoretical neurobiologist I once talked to (http://www.amath.washington.edu/~etsb/, by the way), said that he didn't even need any chemistry at all (and doesn't know any ochem)
 
  • #10
THat s good news, thanks Simfish.
 
  • #11
http://www.ls.manchester.ac.uk/masterscourses/courses/computationalneuroscience/careers/profilethree/
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #12
Maybe Biophysics but no branch of Physics study consciousness or mind
 
  • #13
If you are interested in computer science, you can look into computational neuroscience/artificial intelligence. My uncle was doing a Ph.D in this field, specifically trying to model the human brain. His B.S. degree was in CS though, so unless you've had experience in some computer science or computational physics, this may not work for you.

You could perhaps get a masters in computer science, and then try a Ph.D in artificial intelligence.
 

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