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In order to model neuronal behavior or to interpret the results ofmodeling studies, neuroscientists must call upon methods of nonlinear dynamics. Thisbook offers an introduction to nonlinear dynamical systems theory for researchersand graduate students in neuroscience. It also provides an overview of neurosciencefor mathematicians who want to learn the basic facts of electrophysiology.DynamicalSystems in Neuroscience presents a systematic study of the relationship ofelectrophysiology, nonlinear dynamics, and computational properties of neurons. Itemphasizes that information processing in the brain depends not only on theelectrophysiological properties of neurons but also on their dynamicalproperties.The book introduces dynamical systems, starting with one- andtwo-dimensional Hodgkin-Huxley-type models and continuing to a description ofbursting systems. Each chapter proceeds from the simple to the complex, and providessample problems at the end. The book explains all necessary mathematical conceptsusing geometrical intuition; it includes many figures and few equations, making itespecially suitable for non-mathematicians. Each concept is presented in terms ofboth neuroscience and mathematics, providing a link between the twodisciplines.Nonlinear dynamical systems theory is at the core of computationalneuroscience research, but it is not a standard part of the graduate neurosciencecurriculum--or taught by math or physics department in a way that is suitable forstudents of biology. This book offers neuroscience students and researchers acomprehensive account of concepts and methods increasingly used in computationalneuroscience.An additional chapter on synchronization, with more advanced material, can be found at the author's website, www.izhikevich.com.
464 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2006