FYS488 Computational Neuroscience

Credits (ECTS):10

Course responsible:Gaute Tomas Einevoll

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk

Course frequency:Annually.

Nominal workload:250 hours

Teaching and exam period:Fall parallel

About this course

Selected topics related to mathematical modelling of (i) signal processing in nerve cells, (ii) neural coding and decoding, (iii) receptive fields in the visual system, (iv) information transmission in the nervous system, (v) biophysics of nerve cells, (vi) biological neural networks, (vii) learning and memory, (viii) modeling of measurements.

Learning outcome

Gain a comprehensive understanding of how the properties of neurobiological systems can be modelled mathematically and be able to navigate in the academic literature on computatiional neuroscience. Be able to formulate and solve simple models from computational neuroscience. Be able to navigate in and acquire knowledge from scientific literature in the subject field in order to be able to develop more complicated models. Understand that mathematical models are necessary in order to understand complex neurobiological processes.
  • Learning activities
    Lectures. Solve exercise problems by means analytical and computational methods. Combination of digital and physical teaching.
  • Teaching support
    Students will be able to meet the lecturer outside the structured teaching time, also via video conference.
  • Prerequisites
    Introductory courses in mathematics and computer science.
  • Recommended prerequisites
    Introductory courses in physics (mechanics, electromagnetism, thermal physics).
  • Assessment method

    Oral examination of the topics covered in the course.

    Evaluation of report. Presentation of report.



    Oral exam Grading: Letter grades
  • Examiner scheme
    In addition to taking part in the oral examination and evaluating the project report, the examiner will be asked to contribute with an evaluation of the course's content and teaching arrangements.
  • Mandatory activity
    Write and present report.
  • Notes
    Lectures and exercise assistance will be focused on several short intensive teaching periods, supplemented with video lectures, to facilitate the participation of students from all over Norway.
  • Teaching hours

    Lectures: 40 hours spread over several intensive teaching periods

    Exercises: 26 hours

  • Reduction of credits
    • 5 sp overlap with FYS386
    • 10 sp overlap with FYS388
  • Admission requirements
    Special requirements in Science