How to build your own EEG lab and start running reliable, yet affordable, lab experiments
Neural Oscillations, in a non-traditional sense (as in EEG not solely related to healthcare practices, such as seizure detection), has been a long-time passion of mine. So much so that when offered the opportunity to pursue graduate degrees and write my own dissertation there was nothing more that I wanted to research than attempting to map the neural oscillations of Information Science.
With an academic background in Cognitive Psychology and some Research Assistance experience from Stanford's SPAN lab, I tried to figure out ways in which I could make my research plan happen. My interest in the topic meant that I had to, somehow, mashup three disciplines: Neuroscience + Information Science + Cognitive Psychology.
While extremely excited about the opportunity, I soon realized that having a research plan was only a fraction of the work. I still needed to do the actual EEG experiments and since the Information Science program that I got enrolled in at the university was not equipped for EEG experiments I had to find a way to build my own lab. I had another problem; no funding! While working full time in the industry I was able to pay the tuition but I was certainly not able to cover the high costs of 'renting' labs or creating traditional EEG labs (with extensive EEG equipment).
I figured that there had to be another way. That is when I learned about the new commercialized EEG neuroheadsets, such as Emotiv EPOC. At first, I was quite skeptical about the reliability and the reputation of such commercial devices. However, later on I learned that many accredited ?universities were already using the neuroheadset and had published papers. But there was another problem.. the analysis software that Emotiv offered was not up to par and flexible enough for a dissertation-type of study. At the time, an Emotiv EPOC cost about $700 USD. While I could muster up $700, I had to try to find cheap or free but reliable EEG software to help analyze raw data.
After a few quick keywords, EEGLAB showed up on my feed and after reading most of their documentation I ended up choosing EEGLAB, not only because it was free but also because they had extensive documentation and a great community. In addition, they offered a free EEGLAB Matlab compiled version for download, which ended up being a life-saver.
The next set of problems, and probably the part that took the most time (almost a year) to figure out was how to get Emotiv EPOC neuroheadset work with EEGLAB Matlab. There was simply no clear-cut way to do it, as the two were created and developed but two very different companies and communities. I ended up reading all and any type of documentations and forum discussions that I could get a hold of. These documentation, while helpful, were scattered all around 'the world' and mostly did not pertain to the compatibility issues that I had to solve. So I had to sift through so many many (many) pages to figure it out. At that time, I remember thinking how I wished there was a course that could teach me this to help save me precious time out of my dissertation work.
That is why, a couple of years after my graduation, I decided to teach what I had learned to help others save time (and nerves) and teach them, step-by-step, how to build their own reliable, yet affordable, EEG lab!
The first course will launch mid August, 2023. For those interested, please email your inquiries to: [email protected].
And since I am not good at marketing, see below for a ChatGPT-generated marketing spill. I do not use ChatGPT for any of my content, except for this marketing.. again bc I am not good at it. I will share more details of the course as we get closer.
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Welcome to the world of neuroscience and the exciting realm of EEG data analysis! Are you fascinated by the inner workings of the Neural Oscillations of the human brain and eager to explore the depths of its electrical signals? Look no further, because our online course is here to guide you through this captivating journey.
Introducing our comprehensive curriculum designed to provide you with a high-level summary of the vast landscape of neuroscience while also equipping you with specialized skills in setting up, collecting, processing, and visualizing raw EEG data. Whether you're a student, researcher, or enthusiast, this course offers an invaluable opportunity to dive deep into the realm of neurophysiology and gain practical expertise in EEG analysis.
The program spans 12 weeks, equivalent to one academic quarter, allowing you to immerse yourself in the intricacies of neuroscience and master the art of EEG data manipulation. With a maximum of 6 credits, you can earn valuable academic recognition while building a strong foundation in this cutting-edge field.
Throughout the course, we will focus on using the Emotiv EPOC neuroheadset series, a popular and user-friendly EEG device, along with the powerful EEGLab Matlab compiled open source software. These tools will serve as your gateway to unlocking the mysteries hidden within brainwave patterns, enabling you to extract meaningful insights and visualize the electrical activity of the brain.
Our experienced instructor, who are renowned experts in neuroscience and EEG analysis, will guide you step-by-step, ensuring that you grasp the fundamentals and progress towards advanced techniques. Through a combination of engaging lectures, hands-on practical sessions, and interactive assignments, you will gain the skills necessary to confidently navigate the world of EEG data analysis.
By the end of the course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the broader field of neuroscience, as well as the ability to set up EEG experiments, collect raw data, process and analyze it using sophisticated algorithms, and visualize your findings in meaningful and impactful ways. These skills will open doors to various opportunities in research, clinical applications, and cognitive enhancement.
Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to expand your horizons and delve into the captivating realm of neuroscience and EEG data analysis. Enroll in our online course today and unlock the potential of the human mind!
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Course Details
Please send inquires to: [email protected]