Modelling signaling processes in neuronal networks of the brain
Course duration:6 h
Neuronal networks of the brain produce an incredibly wide range of activity patterns experimentally observed either in vitro or in vivo using different protocols and conditions. It is widely believed that these pattern generation, transmission and their accompanied transformations underly learning and memory, perception and motor pattern generation and formation of other cognitive functions of the brain, the processes appeared to be the greatest mystery of the Universe. In spite of recent breakthrough in experimental neuroscience methodology, the neuronal network level considered as the most crucial for understanding nature of these phenomena still remains poorly investigated. A promising approach aiming to bridge the gap between neuronal network signaling, spikes, waves and patterns from the one side and the functional operations and information processing from the other side is data-driving mathematical modelling and computer simulations.
This course provides an insight into the principles of neuronal network signaling, spiking pattern generation and propagation in neuronal network mostly from the view of computational neuroscience. Students will become familiar with fundamentals of neurodynamics, mechanisms of spikes and different spiking patterns generation in single neurons, synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity mechanisms, signal generation and propagation processes in neuronal networks composed of synaptically coupled spiking neurons, principles of formation normal and pathological patterns of activity in models of dissociated neuronal cultures. Additionally, relevant information about these processes will be provided from the biological point in a simplified form for students with background in mathematics, physics, computer science and adjacent areas. We will also consider several modern simulation environments for modelling neuronal and network dynamics with special attention to NEST simulator (www.nest-initiative.org). Finally, a brief introduction into cutting-edge and classical experimental methods of modern neuroscience, particularly into multielectrode recording technology, neuroimaging and electrophysiology will be given.
Tutor
Dr. Alexander Simonov
Country: Russia
Place of employment: Lecturer, department of Theory of Oscillations and Automatic Control; researcher, Nizhny Novgorod Neuroscience Center, N.I., Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod.
Spheres of researches: neurodynamics, computational neuroscience, spiking neuronal networks, pattern formation and computation with patterns, dissociated cultures of neuronal network, synaptic plasticity,
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