Monday, June 18, 2012

Class picture

Here we are, standing in front of the AIMS building. Emma, the lead tutor, is on the left (right behind me). The other tutor, Fadoua, was away for the photo, unfortunately.


Classes end today. It's been quite a ride. I have learned a lot about computational neuroscience, and how to teach it. Thanks to all 15 students who worked hard to do the assignments I gave them. I hope they got the message that the brain is a network of neurons, and that our behaviour -- though complex -- is the result of interactions between billions of neurons. And that mathematical and computational models can be used to study those dynamics.

I finished off with the same thing I said on day 1: The brain is a complex mapping between sensory input, and motor output.

2 comments:

  1. -"Over it are 19"
    -But why choose 19 and not 23?
    For some it is so obvious, for others not so easy to see.
    -Why hold on so firmly to false and unproven belief?
    -When after the final decree these are the ones,
    who will be begging their lord for some kind of relief.

    -It is the same to them whether you warn them or not,
    most have already made the choice to give up their spot.
    -And the angels will ask them "Were you not sent a Warner".
    "Yes, but on deaf ears, our desires were much stronger."
    -The Quran describes to us that in it they will neither live nor die,
    -But that was their choice when they exchanged the truth for a lie.
    --------
    (Quran 74:26-31)
    {26} I will cast him in the Scorching heat.
    {27} And what will make you comprehend the Scorching heat?
    {28} It does not spare nor leave anything.
    {29} A scorcher for humans.
    {30} Over it is nineteen.
    {31} And We have made the guardians of the Fire to be angels; and We have only made their number a trial for those who have rejected, so that those who were given the Scripture would understand, and those who have faith would be increased in faith, and so that those who have been given the Scripture and the believers do not have doubt, and so that those who have a sickness in their hearts and the rejecters would say: "What did God mean with an example such as this?" It is such that God misguides whom He wishes, and He guides whom He wishes. And none knows the soldiers of your Lord except Him; and it is but a reminder for human beings.

    *I am searching for some scholars of mathematics to help me understand the meaning of the number 19 as mentioned in the Quran. Any assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

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    Replies
    1. @ Muhammad: You might want to check out one of my other posts,

      http://intelligent-falling.blogspot.ca/2010/12/numerology-in-quran.html

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