Dr. Larry Cauller GR4.412 Office hours on Thursdays noon-1 or by appointment. Computer simulation offers a means to study the interrelationship of the many factors that govern the biologically realistic behavior of individual neurons or networks of neurons and the synaptic connections between them. While research in this area has developed over the past two decades, general purpose simulation environments have only become available within the past five years or so. These new applications permit students and researchers to build and study computer models of neurons without requiring advanced computer skills.
Computer simulation allows students to probe the mechanisms responsible for neural activity.
It is a research tool to demonstrate the potential and limitations of neural mechanisms. And it is extremely useful as a means to express theoretical concepts about how you, a neuroscientist, may believe neurons work. Students of this course will acquire the skills to use this powerful tool for their future study and research. At all times, the emphasis in this course will be upon biological realism including ionic channel currents, non-linear, spatial and temporal summation of synaptic inputs, synaptic interactions between neurons and synaptic plasticity, dynamic network behavior, oscillations and cooperation. So this course will enhance students' understanding of neurophysiology by providing a dynamic illustration of basic principles.