Spiking Neuron Models

Spiking Neuron Models:Neurons in the brain communicate by short electrical pulses, the so-called action potentials or spikes. How can we understand the process of spike generation? How can we understand information transmission by neurons? What happens if thousands of neurons are coupled together in a seemingly random network? How does the network connectivity determine the activity patterns? And, vice versa, how does the spike activity influence the connectivity pattern? These questions are addressed in this introductory text aimed at those taking courses in computational neuroscience, theoretical biology, neuronal modeling, biophysics, or neural networks. The authors focus on phenomenological approaches so that beginners can get to grips with the theoretical concepts before confronting the wealth of detail in biological systems. The book is in three Parts dealing, in order, with neurons and connections, collective behavior in networks, and synaptic plasticity and its role in learning, memory, and development. Each chapter ends with a literature survey, and a comprehensive bibliography is included. As such the book will also introduce readers to current research.