Fundamentals of Computational Neuroscience [Paperback]

Thomas Trappenberg (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0198515839 | ISBN-13: 978-0198515838 | Publication Date: June 20, 2002

Computational neuroscience is the theoretical study of the brain to uncover the principles and mechanisms that guide the development, organization, information processing, and mental functions of the nervous system. Although not a new area, it is only recently that enough knowledge has been gathered to establish computational neuroscience as a scientific discipline in its own right. Given the complexity of the field, and its increasing importance in progressing our understanding of how the brain works, there has long been a need for an introductory text on what is often assumed to be an impenetrable topic. "Fundamentals of Computational Neuroscience" is one of the first introductory books on this topic. It introduces the theoretical foundations of neuroscience with a focus on the nature of information processing in the brain. The book covers the introduction and motivation of simplified models of neurons that are suitable for exploring information processing in large brain-like networks. Additionally, it introduces several fundamental network architectures and discusses their relevance for information processing in the brain, giving some examples of models of higher-order cognitive functions to demonstrate the advanced insight that can be gained with such studies. Each chapter starts by introducing its topic with experimental facts and conceptual questions related to the study of brain function. An additional feature is the inclusion of simple Matlab programs that can be used to explore many of the mechanisms explained in the book. An accompanying webpage includes programs for download. The book is aimed at those within the brain and cognitive sciences, from graduate level and upwards.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The book is small enough to be manageable in a semester-long course, but it is large enough to contain a wonderful amount of material. ... [A] very useful book for its clarity of presentation ... and ... success in teaching modeling."--The Quarterly Review of Biology

About the Author

Thomas Trappenberg is in the Department of Psychology, University of Oxford and Department of Computing Science, Dalhousie University, Canada.

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (June 20, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198515839
• ISBN-13: 978-0198515838
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,188,398 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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