Content:

This module starts with a primer on neuroscience and the role of computational neuroscience. The next part of the module covers biologically-grounded models of single neurons, including leaky-integrate-and-fire and conductance-based neurons, but also more abstract models of neural activity and spike trains. You will learn how these different computational models describe and simplify the underlying biological processes to a different degree. We will examine in detail how these different neuron models can be used in numerical simulations to address research questions on computation in single neurons and circuits. In the exercises accompanying the lectures you will gain hands-on experience in implementing the different neuron models in Python, running numerical simulations, and performing calculations related to analytical solutions of the model equations and biophysics. The focus is on single neuron models, but we will also make use of available software (e.g. NEST Desktop) to examine how single neuron models can be integrated into simulations of neural networks. While the emphasis throughout the module is on methodological issues, how models can be built, tested and validated at each level, we will also draw connections to specific brain regions to motivate and illustrate the models.

Learning Outcomes:

• apply techniques from computational neuroscience to simulate neural activity

• become familiar with different types of single neuron models, their mathematical description, and their different levels of biological abstraction

• acquire skills in modelling neurons, synapses and circuits and connect these models to biology and computation

• understanding of the biological basis for computation in neurons

Assessment: 

written exam at the end of the semester (120 min)

Prof. Dr. Robert Schmidt Lecturer

(+49) 234-32-27300 robert.schmidt@rub.de NB 3/68

Course type

Lectures

Credits

6

Term

Summer Term 2023

E-Learning

moodle course available

Lecture

Takes place every week on Monday from 08:30 to 10:00 in room IA 03/466.
First appointment is on 03.04.2023
Last appointment is on 10.07.2023

Exercise

Takes place every week on Friday from 12:00 to 14:00 in room ID 03/121.
First appointment is on 14.04.2023
Last appointment is on 14.07.2023

Programming in Python, mathematical knowledge (linear algebra and calculus) and an interest in neurobiology

Literature:

Gerstner, W., Kistler, W. M., Naud, R., & Paninski, L. (2014). Neuronal dynamics: From single neurons to networks and models of cognition . Cambridge University Press.
Dayan, P., & Abbott, L. F. (2005). Theoretical neuroscience: computational and mathematical modeling of neural systems . MIT press.