Kurs-Information

This course deals both with the biophysics of nerve impulses as well as the computational power and signaling capacity of pulse based communication. In this way the course covers both mechanistic explanations of action potential generation as well as functional consequences. Asking what are optimal or desired wave forms for communication in a nervous system can lead to speculation about the evolutionary origins of nervous systems. A general classification of excitability is given as well as the consequences in small nerve networks are discussed. The course also introduces the main biophysical elements, such as stochastic voltage-gated ion channel and ion-pumps as part of the nerve cells energetics.