Lecture Time: MW 9:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Classroom: Vincent Hall 213
Instructor: Duane Nykamp
Office: 202 Vincent Hall
E-mail: nykamp@math.umn.edu
Phone: 625-0338
Office hours: M 11:00AM-12:00PM, W 2:00PM-3:00PM or by appointment
Textbook: Spikes, decisions, and actions by Hugh R. Wilson
Grading scheme: Homework assignments 20%, Midterm exam 30%, Final project 20%, Final exam 30%.
Homework: Homework from the textbook will be assigned most weeks. Some homework will involve computations using the computer program MATLAB and the scripts that are included with the textbook.
Prerequisites: The course will assume basic knowledge of ordinary differential equations and linear algebra, such as taught in Math 2243, 2373 or 2573.
Topics: The course will begin with an overview of ordinary differential equations, illustrated by examples from neuroscience. Using very simple neuron models, we will explore mechanisms through which networks of neurons can make computations. We will then develop more mathematical tools so that we can study more realistic models of neuron spiking and bursting, such as the Hodgkin-Huxley equations. As time permits, we will study synchronization of neurons, central pattern generators, and memory.