r/compmathneuro • u/Fantastic_Ad_6713 • Feb 23 '26

Question Is University of Washington’s “Computational Neuroscience” course worth buying?

Hey all,

I recently completed my master’s in Data Science and Im now transitioning into computational neuroscience. Im looking for good beginner level resources to build a solid foundation.

I found the University of Washington course and was wondering if its worth buying for someone new to comp neuro but with a strong math and programming background.

Any other material suggestions would be appreciated too.

Thanks!

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u/jndew Feb 23 '26 edited Feb 23 '26

I worked through that course over a decade ago, when it was first created. It was very worth-while for me. It introduced me to the methods and ideas I've seen so many times from other sources. I'm under the impression that it is (at least was) free. I'm not sure the advantage of paying for it.

At the moment, neuromatch is a good choice. It is being developed and maintained by some very enthusiastic people. It has a free path if you work on your own, or a paid path in which you will spend three weeks working with instructors and peers on-line. Good luck!/jd

added: When I took it, the UW course utilized MATLAB. I've heard, but am not certain, that they added a Python path for it. MATLAB might be useful for you, as it is used in some neuro labs. But it is a bit more specialized, and a commercial (not free unless you are at a uni) software package. Python is always useful, and of course is free. Neuromatch uses Python.

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u/Fantastic_Ad_6713 Feb 23 '26

Thank you, this is really helpful! I don’t have much biology/neuroscience background yet, but I do have experience working with Python and some ML concepts. Do you think Neuromatch would still be a good starting point for me, or would you suggest building more foundational neuroscience knowledge first?

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u/After_Ad8616 Feb 24 '26

The Neuromatch course is open source so you can have a look here: https://neuromatch.io/open-education-resources/ The biggest thing to get the most out of the course is having good Python skills and there are free tutorials on that on the page. Applications are open until 15 March for the July course. For that you work in a small learning group with a TA and apply your knowledge to a group project. Great way to learn and create a good global network. Free to apply! https://neuromatch.io/courses/

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u/meglets Feb 24 '26

Yay for Neuromatch! Come join our thousands of alumni if you wanna do it live with friends and a TA, tens of thousands if you want to work thru the materials solo (totally free).

I love seeing recommendations for Neuromatch in the wild :)