This class will cover macroscopic mechanics of cells and their cytoskeleton, physical models of force generation, and molecular models derived from recent atomic structures of force-generating proteins. Clinical effects, such as cardiomyopathies where these processes are defective, and new molecular measurement technologies will also be discussed. An interdisciplinary approach spanning molecular biology, biochemistry, physics, and engineering will be emphasized. 580.644 Neural Control of Movement and Vocalization Generating a sound with our vocal system or moving our arm are both examples of a goal directed movement. This is a course that compares the neural mechanisms responsible for acquisition of sensory information and generation of motion in these two motor behaviors.
Emphasis is on experimental and theoretical results on the primate brain.
This course is designed for students who may be interested in applying the techniques of nonlinear dynamics and chaos to the analysis of physiological data. Topics covered will include fractals, strange attractors, bifurcations, state-space attractor reconstruction, Poincare sections, dimension calculations, Lyapunov exponents, entropy, tests for determinism, nonlinear forecasting. Examples will be drawn from studies in cardiology, brain function, and the oculomotor system. At the end of the course the class produces a book comprised of these articles. This course trains students in the use of high performance computing systems to solve problems in biological modeling.