Lecture Time: MWF 11:15AM-12:05PM
Classroom: Vincent Hall 313
Instructor: Duane Nykamp
Office: 202 Vincent Hall
E-mail: nykamp@math.umn.edu
Phone: 625-0338
Office hours: MWF 10:15AM-11:15AM, or by appointment
The auditory and visual systems exemplify the processing capabilities of our nervous system. We can detect extremely dim flashes of light, pick an object out of a similar background, and identify pictures of our grandmothers. We can localize a sound source in three dimensions, attend to a conversation in a noisy room, and recognize our mother's voice. This course will begin with study and modeling of the initial signal transduction level. We will derive simple models of the retina and cochlea and explore their function. We will then turn to systems-level approaches, including models of auditory spatial localization and more abstract stimulus feature identification. We will end by exploring methods to probe the neuronal network connectivity that underlies auditory and visual processing. Mathematical content will include linear and nonlinear systems analysis, ordinary and partial differential equations, and elementary probability.
No previous experience in neuroscience required. Moderate mathematical sophistication (e.g. familiarity with differential equations) will be assumed.
Grading will be based on homework assignments and a final project. Sorry, there
will be no tests or final exam.
There will be no textbook for this class. Books and research papers relevant to this course will be announced in class and posted on this website.