209501 Mastermodul A: "Information processing by neurons and neural networks" (V+Pr) (WiSe 2009/2010)

Brains are believed to belong to the most complex structures in the universe. They consist of densely packed and intricately interconnected networks of neurons, each of which has already highly complex computational properties. With their neuronal machinery even relatively small animals are able to deal successfully with extraordinary tasks - as least if judged by the performance of man-made artifical systems. In preparation that are accessible relatively easily to experimental approaches (such as the segemental ganglia of the leech, or semi-intact insects) fundamental issues of neuronal information processing in nerve cells, at synaptic connections and neuronal networks will be addressed by electrophysiological and pharmacological experiments using intra- and extracellular recording techniques. Modern computer-based approaches will be introduced to analyse the experimental data. The experimental analysis will be completed by model simulations based on special software packages to validate experimentally established hypotheses and to assess the functional consequences of the cellular properties. The different projects will be conducted in small groups. Topical papers in the field of cellular information processing and neuronal computation will be discussed in seminars.
The entire workload of the module corresponding to 10 credit points (300 hours) will be rendered during the time of the module.

Bibliography

Neuron to Brain; Nicholls J.B., Martin A.R., Wallace B.G., Fuchs P.A.; Sinauer Assoc.
Nerve Cells and Animal Behaviour; Simmons P., Young D.: Cambridge University Press