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Course Introduction

Human brain imaging has seen a shift from studying individual brain regions to understanding interconnections among remote regions in large populations. The field of network neuroscience allows for studies of the neurobiology of normal and abnormal human connectomes using advanced analytical tools. Large-scale cohort data sets such as the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study and Human Connectome Project (HCP) containing tens of thousands brain scans are now freely available to researchers. However, it is not common for a data scientist (such as a mathematician or computer scientist) to have sufficient neuroscience training to develop and test novel neuroscientific hypotheses. Similarly, those with extensive training in neurosciences typically do not have the in-depth quantitative skills necessary to prefer rigorous and reproducible statistical analyses, which oftentimes require dedicated data preprocessing, quality control (QC) analysis, and visualization steps.

 

To support the widespread applications of brain network analysis in neuroscience and neuroimaging communities, an integrated analytic pipeline and a comprehensive education program are in high demand to ensure the rigor of connectome analysis as well as the reproducibility of neuroscience findings. In this regard, the overarching goal of this course is to bridge the significant gap between the method/tool development and end users who oftentimes do not have a computation background. 

 

You are welcome to audit the class. However, if you choose to register officially, there are a few ways to do so: 1. Register the class as STOR 496 – Undergraduate Reading and Research in Statistics and Operations Research for undergraduate students; 2. Register the class as STOR 910 – Directed Reading in Statistics and Operations Research for graduate students. 

Grading

Class Participation: 50%

 

Final Project: 50%. You will form teams of 2 to 4 members to undertake a project relevant to the course content. The objective is to apply the concepts learned in class, and potentially more advanced topics not covered, to analyze a brain connectome dataset.

 

Your deliverable will be a comprehensive final report, prepared in RMarkdown or a suitable editor of your choice if using other tools like Python. The grading for the project will be based on various components, including the final product, as detailed below.

Important Dates and Requirements

First Week of February (Team Formation): By this deadline, one member from each team must email me with the team's name, and members' names.

 

March 8th (Project Proposal Deadline): Your team must submit a project proposal, either in Word or PDF format, outlining the planned approach for the team project.

 

Final Project Report: This report is due on the day of the final exam.

 

The final project offers an opportunity for practical application of course concepts and encourages teamwork and creativity. Adhering to these deadlines and requirements will be crucial for successful completion and assessment of your project.

Syllabus Changes

The professor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus including project due dates and test dates. These changes will be announced as early as possible. 

Attendance Policy

University Policy: As stated in the University’s Class Attendance Policy, no right or privilege exists that permits a student to be absent from any class meetings, except for these University Approved Absences:

1. Authorized University activities

2. Disability/religious observance/pregnancy, as required by law and approved by Accessibility Resources and Service and/or the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office (EOC)

3. Significant health condition and/or personal/family emergency as approved by the Office of the Dean of Students, Gender Violence Service Coordinators, and/or the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office (EOC).

Class Policy: See the above Quizzes/Class Participation section. 

 

University Approved Absence Office (UAAO): The UAAO website provides information and FAQs for students and faculty related to University Approved Absences. 

Honor Code

All students are expected to follow the guidelines of the UNC Honor Code. In particular, students are expected to refrain from “lying, cheating, or stealing” in the academic context. If you are unsure about which actions violate the Honor Code, please see me or consult studentconduct.unc.edu.

Acceptable Use Policy

By attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, you agree to abide by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill policies related to the acceptable use of IT systems and services. The Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) sets the expectation that you will use the University’s technology resources responsibly, consistent with the University’s mission. In the context of a class, it’s quite likely you will participate in online activities that could include personal information about you or your peers, and the AUP addresses your obligations to protect the privacy of class participants. In addition, the AUP addresses matters of others’ intellectual property, including copyright. These are only a couple of typical examples, so you should consult the full Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy, which covers topics related to using digital resources, such as privacy, confidentiality, and intellectual property.

 

Additionally, consult the Safe Computing at UNC website for information about data security policies, updates, and tips on keeping your identity, information, and devices safe.

Accessibility Resources and Service

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill facilitates the implementation of reasonable accommodations, including resources and services, for students with a disability and/or a chronic health diagnosis resulting in barriers to fully accessing University courses, programs and activities.

 

Accommodations are determined by the Office of Accessibility Resources and Service (ARS) through their Student and Applicant Accommodations Policy, which documents qualifying disabilities in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. See the ARS website (https://ars.unc.edu) for contact information or email ars@unc.edu

Counseling and Psychological Services

UNC-Chapel Hill is strongly committed to addressing the mental health needs of a diverse student body. The Heels Care Network website is a place to access the many mental health resources at Carolina. CAPS is the primary mental health provider for students, offering timely access to consultation and connection to clinically appropriate services. Go to their website https://caps.unc.edu/ or visit their facilities on the third floor of the Campus Health building for an initial evaluation to learn more. Students can also call CAPS 24/7 at 919-966-3658 for immediate assistance. 

Title IX and Related Resources 

Any student who is impacted by discrimination, harassment, interpersonal (relationship) violence, sexual violence, sexual exploitation, or stalking is encouraged to seek resources on campus or in the community. Reports can be made online to the EOC at https://eoc.unc.edu/report-an-incident/. Please contact the University’s Title IX Coordinator (Elizabeth Hall, titleixcoordinator@unc.edu), Report and Response Coordinators in the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office (reportandresponse@unc.edu), Counseling and Psychological Services (confidential), or the Gender Violence Services Coordinators (gvsc@unc.edu; confidential) to discuss your specific needs. Additional resources are available at safe.unc.edu. 

Policy on Non-Discrimination

The University is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community and to ensuring that educational and employment decisions are based on individuals’ abilities and qualifications. Consistent with this principle and applicable laws, the University’s Policy Statement on Non-Discrimination offers access to its educational programs and activities as well as employment terms and conditions without respect to race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, genetic information, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Such a policy ensures that only relevant factors are considered, and that equitable and consistent standards of conduct and performance are applied.

 

If you are experiencing harassment or discrimination, you can seek assistance and file a report through the Report and Response Coordinators (see contact info at safe.unc.edu) or the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office at https://eoc.unc.edu/report-an-incident/.

Diversity Statement

We value the perspectives of individuals from all backgrounds reflecting the diversity of our students. I broadly define diversity to include race, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, religion, social class, age, sexual orientation, political background, and physical and learning ability. I strive to make this classroom an inclusive space for all students. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to improve. I appreciate any suggestions.

Learning Center

Want to get the most out of this course or others this semester? Visit UNC’s Learning Center at http://learningcenter.unc.edu to make an appointment or register for an event. Their free, popular programs will help you optimize your academic performance.  Try academic coaching, peer tutoring, STEM support, ADHD/LD services, workshops and study camps, or review tips and tools available on the website. 

Writing Center 

For free feedback on any course writing projects, check out UNC’s Writing Center. Writing Center coaches can assist with any writing project, including multimedia projects and application essays, at any stage of the writing process. You don’t even need a draft to come visit. To schedule a 45-minute appointment, review quick tips, or request written feedback online, visit http://writingcenter.unc.edu.  

Grade Appeal Process 

If you feel you have been awarded an incorrect grade, please discuss with me. If we cannot resolve the issue, you may talk to our departmental director of undergraduate studies or appeal the grade through a formal university process based on arithmetic/clerical error, arbitrariness, discrimination, harassment, or personal malice. To learn more, go to the Academic Advising Program website.

UNC EDUCATION PROGRAM OF
INTELLIGENCE AND CONNECTOMICS

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