Spiking Neuron Models: Single Neurons, Populations, Plasticity

by Wulfram Gerstner, Werner M Kistler

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 introduction to spiking neurons aimed at those taking courses in computational neuroscience, theoretical biology, biophysics, or neural networks. The approach will suit students of physics, mathematics, or computer science; it will also be useful for biologists who are interested in mathematical modelling. The text is enhanced by many worked examples and illustrations. There are no mathematical prerequisites beyond what the audience would meet as undergraduates: more advanced techniques are introduced in an elementary, concrete fashion when needed.

Genres: Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence, Brain

494 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Jethro Kuan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only read the first chapter, because only that chapter is relevant to me, but it was a great, succinct introduction to spiking neurons

[Yates Buckley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great text reference for spiking neurons, mathematically abstract, not computational.

[DJ]

more neural coding

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting introduction to spiking neuron models. Wish it had more clear examples though.

[Jacob Kanev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good reference book for neuron models.