University of Durham / CRS - Week Long Practical Training Course

Using MATLAB and Cambridge Research Systems (CRS) Tools for Vision Science

We're pleased to announce a new short-course in MATLAB programming for vision science, with emphasis on the CRS ViSaGe and CRS Video Eyetracker Toolbox systems. The course will run at the end of September each year, in the newly formed CRS Robson Suite at the Department of Psychology, Durham University, UK.

The course will run as a series of practical sessions using worksheets and exercises developed as part of Durham University's MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience. Two experienced researchers (Hannah Smithson and Bob Kentridge) will be on-hand throughout the course to offer tuition. The first two days will provide a general introduction to MATLAB programming, for people with little or no previous programming experience, or for those new to MATLAB. The last 3-days will focus on using the ViSaGe (including calibration, basic colorimetry, stimulus presentation and animation, response collection, randomization, psychophysical methods), and on using the Video Eyetracker Toolbox. It is expected that the course will be useful for graduate students and post-docs who are starting out in vision research.

Course outline

• Introduction to MATLAB (arrays, indexing and loops)
• Programming in MATLAB (structuring a computer program)
• Stimulus display (including timing-critical issues and animation); Response collection and handling
• Setting up your ViSaGe (including calibration); More on stimulus specification
• Tools for psychophysics; Video Eyetracker Toolbox

Cost

The cost will be GBP600 for all 5 days (a reduced cost option for 3-days, for people who are already competent and confident with MATLAB is also possible).

Accommodation

The colleges offer bed and breakfast accommodation during the University vacation. Grey College is the closest to the Psychology Department, and offers accommodation at the following rates:

Single Standard GBP28.50 Twin Standard GBP51.00
Single En suite GBP39.50 Twin En suite GBP70.00

Prices are per room, per night and include breakfast (rates quoted for January 2009). Durham is a small city so nearly all the colleges are reasonably close (<30 min walk).

New for 2009

Cambridge Research Systems is offering customers in the UK a voucher worth GBP250 with every ViSaGe or High-Speed Video Eyetracker Toolbox purchased between January and September 2009 (other conditions apply). The voucher can be used to offset the cost of attending the next training course, which is provisionally scheduled to be held at the end of September 2009.

To find out more about the course including preliminary programme, topic areas, prices, accommodation and how to reserve your place for the next dates in September 2009, please contact us now.

^ Back to top