Systems Computational Neuroscience (Math 636)

                      Spring 2010

    NJIT HONOR CODE:

    All Students should be aware that the Department of Mathematical Sciences takes the NJIT Academic Honor Code very seriously and enforces it strictly. This means there must not be any forms of plagiarism, i.e., copying of homework, class projects, or lab assignments, or any form of cheating in quizzes and exams. Under the Honor Code, students are obligated to report any such activities to the Instructor.

    Please re-read Article III of the Academic Honor Code, which describes conducts that are considered unacceptable (cheating, violating the US Copyright law, etc).

    Instructor: Horacio G. Rotstein

      E-mail: horacio at njit edu (preferred)

      Tel: (973) 596-5306

    Course Description:

    This course covers mathematical and computational modeling of neuronal networks. It is the continuation of Analytical Computational Neuroscience (Math 635). We assume knowledge of the topics taught there.

    This class will rely heavily on students presentations of certain papers, class participation and homework (including a final project).

    Textbooks:

      "Theoretical Neuroscience: Computational and Mathematical Modeling of Neural Systems", by Peter Dayan and Larry F. Abbott. The MIT Press,2001. ISBN 0-262-04199-5

      "Foundations of Cellular Neurophysiology", by Daniel Johnston and Samuel M.-S. Wu. The MIT Press, 1995. ISBN 0-262-10053-3.

    Recommended Books:

      "Neuroscience", by D. Purves, G. J. Augustine, D. Fitzpatrick, W. C. Hall, A.-S. LaMantia, J. O. McNamara, L. E. White (eds.). Sinauer Associates, Inc., 2008. ISBN 978-0-87893-7-697-7.

      "Dynamical Systems in Neuroscience: The Geometry of Excitability and Bursting", by Eugene M. Izhikevich. The MIT Press, 2007. ISBN 0-262-09043-8

    Class meets:

      Wed: 18:00 - 21:05, Cull 111

    Office hours: Tue 15:30-17:00 & Wed 13:00-14:30

    Grading Policy:

      Student Presentations: ...... 40%

      Homework: ........................ 30%

      Class Participation........... 30%

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      Please note that the University Drop Date March 29, 2010 deadline will be strictly enforced

    Readings and Student Presentations

      For each topic, a number of readings will be assigned.

      Each of these will be presented in class by a designated student and will be discussed (in class) after the presentation.

      Presentations should take no more than 20 minutes, and should include and introduction to the topic, a description of the models (and other methods) used, a summary of the results with the corresponding relevant explanations, and a discussion.

      It is important that the discussion reflects the presenter's opinion on the matter.

      Presenters are expected to propose a homework assignment.

      All students must hand in a short report on the assigned readings at the beginning of the corresponding class. The report should include questions arising during the reading and understanding process.

    Class Participation

      Class participation is a big part of the grade.

      Reading the papers will ensure that students can make a contribution during class.

      Questions count as class participation.

      Quizzes consisting of questions about the reading may be administered when appropriate.

    Homework Policy

    Homework will consist of modeling and simulations exercises on the topics discussed in class. Homework assignments will be posted on the course website.

      A number of assignments will be given out during the semester

      Assignments will be collected one week after they are given out

      Only hard copies of the assignments will be accepted (NO electronic submissions)

      The source code used in your calculations MUST accompany the submitted homework

    Class Policies:

      Attendance and Participation: Students must attend all classes. Absences from class will inhibit your ability to fully participate in class discussions and problem solving sessions and, therefore, affect your grade. Tardiness to class is very disruptive to the instructor and students and will not be tolerated.

      Makeup Exam Policy: There will be no makeup exams, except in rare and extenuating situations where the student has a legitimate reason for missing an exam. The student must notify the NJIT Math office and the Instructor that he/she will miss an exam. In all cases, the student must present written verifiable proof of the reason for missing the exam, e.g., a doctor's note, police report, court notice, etc., clearly stating the date AND times of the mitigating problem.

      Cellular Phones: All cellular phones and beepers must be switched off during class and exam times.

    Course Outline:


Class Date Topic of the Class Readings
1
Jan 20
Introduction to Systems Computational Neuroscience. Single neuron models (review). .
2
Jan 27
Dynamical systems - neural models (review). Rate models. ........X........
3
Feb 3
Matlab (review). Bursting - Part I. ........X........
Feb 10
Cancelled (snow)
4
Feb 17
Bursting - Part II Chemical and electrical synaptic transmission - Part I ........X........
5
Feb 24
Chemical and electrical synaptic transmission - Part II ........X........
6
Mar 3
Phase response curves. .
7
Mar 10
Introduction to Data Analysis. .
Mar 17
Spring recess .
8
Mar 24
Sub-threshold and super-threshold resonance. .
9
Mar 31
Central pattern generators. .
10
Apr 7
Excitatory and inhibitory circuits - Part I .
11
Apr 14
Excitatory and inhibitory circuits - Part II .
12
Apr 21
Excitatory and inhibitory circuits - Part III .
13
Apr 28
Network oscillations - Part I .
14

Network oscillations - Part II .
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Final Exam Period .


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Department of Mathematical Sciences(DMS).

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT).

Horacio
Last modified: Tue Feb 23 10:26:23 EST 2010