Can we upload our consciousness to the internet? Are the tactics in Sci-Fi movies unimaginable? Does the pop culture inspire the front-end science, or vice versa? Today, human brain can control computer cursors and manipulate directions of wheelchairs. Conversely, can a machine feed data into human brain to enhance its performance? This course introduces brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) as a communication channel in the context of gaming industry, patient care, sports enhancement, military field, and also daily routines. The students enrol in this course will be able to understand the basic working principles behind a brain-machine interface, and be knowledgeable on operating a BMI device. Furthermore, popular culture in shaping the public’s perception of science, the regulation involved in technology transfer, and the ethical consideration on brain-machine interaction will be addressed in class. It is an introductory course to promote the awareness of realizing BMI in this era.

This course aims to encourage intellectual exchange between students in biology and engineering with students in humanities and social science in the context of brain-machine interface. This course enables students to gain insight of the impact on human health care through medicine and technology, and to translate abstract scientific knowledge into working systems. After taking this course, students will be able to place the understanding of basic principles in biology and engineering in the broader context of societal needs, i.e. pop culture, technology transfer and legal regulation.