This course introduces students to standard mathematical models of individual neurons (Hodgkin-Huxley, `integrate and fire', etc.) and the synaptic events by which neurons communicate. We will also spend some time discussing simple models of signal propagation along neurons. We will spend most of the first semester of the course learning about models of single neurons. If there is sufficient interest, there will be a second semester of the course which will deal with the modeling of neuronal networks.
The course is designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics, physics, engineering and the biological sciences and will be centered on differential equation models of neurons. The software package XPP will be used to simulate the behavior of small networks of neurons. There are no biological pre-requisites. The course material will prepare interested students for continuing research projects in the area of theoretical and computational neurobiology.