Contents

The synaptic signalling of the brain generates currents that in turn are associated with electric and magnetic fields strong enough to be recorded non-invasively on the surface of the human head. We begin (Part 1, 3 hours) with a close look at the fundamental biophysical properties of brain electrophysiological signals recorded by electro- (EEG) and/or magnetoencephalography (MEG). Matlab-exercises will serve to illustrate the physics of current conduction in bounded volumes such as the human head, and introduce the concept of a lead field that describes the 3D sensitivity distribution of a given measurement configuration. BESA Simulator will be used to gain insight into how brain sources are reflected in M/EEG measurements on/around the scalp. Based on this solid framework regarding the genesis of the M/EEG signal, in Part 2 (3 hours) we move on to the topic of signal processing for quantification of event-related M/EEG responses. We discuss how a solid grasp on the topics of Part 1 is a prerequisite for the adequate interpretation of event-related potentials and fields.

Teaching faculty

• Part 1: Chris Bailey (cjb@cfin.au.dk)
• Part 2: Miika Leminen (miika.leminen@helsinki.fi)

Time and place

The course will take place in the 5th floor meeting room in the DNC building:

• Part 1: Tue April 14th 2015, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
  Biophysics, signal generation & pickup
• Part 2: Wed April 15th 2015, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
  Signal processing and quantification

We begin at 9:30 sharp, please have your laptop and coffee mug ready before! Two 10 minute breaks will be placed strategically.

Intended audience and reading list

Everyone interested in preforming M/EEG experiments is welcome. Since we will be moving along at a rapid pace, please prepare by reading the following:

• Part 1: C.J. Bailey, "Introduction to the biophysics and modelling of MEG and EEG", unpublished materials, 2015 (PDF will be made available here no later than April 1st)

• Part 2: S.J. Luck, “An Introduction to the Event-Related Potential Technique”, 2nd Edition, The MIT Press, 2014.
  • Chapters 8, 9 and (some of) 10. If you haven't already, reading the entire book (or 1st edition of it) is highly recommended

CJB warmly welcomes comments and criticism on the biophysics-document, either during the meeting or via email!

Matlab exercises & BESA Simulator

In addition to slides/lecturing, several concepts will be introduced via short Matlab-based exercises. They will be available on this page no later than April 10th. Please download them and bring a laptop with you with ML installed (fine to share with 1 or 2 colleagues).

BESA-instructions TBA...