Sensation and Perception Remarkably, using just five basic senses, our brains translate simple external stimuli (e.g. light and sound waves) into unique and vivid perceptual experiences enabling us to interact with our surrounding physical reality.  Focusing primarily on the underlying mechanisms of vision and audition, we will explore how our brains construct detailed representations of our world.  Throughout these explorations, we will identify perceptual limitations and investigate how mental processes such as attention and emotion affect our perceptions.  We will review recent scientific articles and conduct experiments.

Brain Plasticity Starting in early development and continuing throughout your lifespan, your experiences will restructure your brain and thereby change who you are!  We will explore the foundations of brain plasticity through the investigation of brain development, memory and memory systems, and the neurobiology of memory.  Our understanding of brain plasticity will be applied to better understand how plasticity can be harnessed to improve cognition and alleviate a variety of brain disorders.  Our exploration will be informed by authors, and artists portrayals of memory, scientific literature, and clinical case studies.

Sensation and Perception Remarkably, using just five basic senses, our brains translate simple external stimuli (e.g. light and sound waves) into unique and vivid perceptual experiences enabling us to interact with our surrounding physical reality.  Focusing primarily on the underlying mechanisms of vision and audition, we will explore how our brains construct detailed representations of our world.  Throughout these explorations, we will identify perceptual limitations and investigate how mental processes such as attention and emotion affect our perceptions.  We will review recent scientific articles and conduct experiments.  (PSYC 0105 or APPY 4 or PYDP 70) or any BIOL course; not open to first year students; open to psychology and neuroscience majors; others by waiver)

Psychological Statistics This course will examine statistical methods used in the behavioral and biological sciences. Students will learn the logic underlying statistical analysis, focusing primarily on inferential techniques. They also will become familiar with the application and interpretation of statistics in psychological empirical research, including the use of computer software for conducting and interpreting statistical analyses. (PSYC 0105; open to psychology and neuroscience majors, others by waiver. Not open to students who have taken  MATH 0116 (aka STAT 0116) or STAT 0201 or ECON 0210)

Rhythms of the Brain How do the ~86 billion neurons of the human brain coordinate their activity to produce complex cognition and behavior?  In this course we will explore how rhythmic oscillations in neuronal activity may provide a unified mechanism that contributes to diverse brain functions including attention, learning and memory, motor coordination, sleep, respiration, and perhaps even consciousness itself.  Through background lectures and class discussion of primary scientific literature, students will develop their understanding of the relationships between ongoing neuronal activity, cognition, and behavior.

Mike Dash

Reviews and ratings for Mike Dash at Middlebury College.Mike Dash teaches Sensation and Perception, Brain Plasticity, Psychological Statistics and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Mike Dash good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Professor Dash brings bubbling enthusiasm to everything he teaches. It was always fun to attend his lectures, and although there was reading, it was less textbook based and more often shorter excerpts very relevant to the class. Additionally, the quizzes and tests were pretty chill. The class culminates with a paper and a project but was altogether a joy. 

Professor Dash is very knowledgeable about this topic, and his enthusiasm shows through his teaching. Sometimes lectures felt a little long, but that is just because there is a good amount of depth and information that comes with the subject. As he will emphasize, this course will moreso give you tools to think about brain processes, and you will have to adapt those to new situations. 

Super fun class where the information was interesting. What I enjoyed most was how class discussions and homework were curated to what the class was passionate about. You definitely don't have to spend a lot of time on this class but will get the most out of it if you are passionate about the subject matter.  