Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | EN.580.639

Models of the Neuron

4.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.52)

Single-neuron modeling, emphasizing the use of computational models as links between the properties of neurons at several levels of detail. Topics include thermodynamics of ion flow in aqueous environments, biology and biophysics of ion channels, gating, nonlinear dynamics as a way of studying the collective properties of channels in a membrane, synaptic transmission, integration of electrical activity in multi-compartment dendritic tree models, and properties of neural networks. Students will study the properties of computational models of neurons; graduate students will develop a neuron model using data from the literature. Differs in that an advanced modeling project using data from the literature is required. Graduate version of EN.580.439. Recommended Course Background: AS.110.302 or equivalent.

Fall 2012

(4.77)

Fall 2013

(4.5)

Fall 2014

(4.67)

Spring 2023

(4.15)

Fall 2012

Professor: Eric Young

(4.77)

Students noted that they enjoyed the course, having been provided an in-depth overview of neural models with a good mix of theory and practical applications. The negative aspects of the course were the heavy workload and the overwhelming amount of material covered. Some students said it was hard to keep up and they felt they did not absorb al of the concepts. Students suggested reviewing the material more thoroughly with the TAs or having fewer assignments. This is a tough course, but it is very rewarding if you are interested in the topic.

Fall 2013

Professor: Eric Young

(4.5)

The best aspects of this course included the light course load and the focus on a variety of different branches in Biophysics that gave students an overview of the field. Freshmen found this course very helpful when they were trying to decide if they wanted to major or minor in Biophysics as the course gave them an in-depth idea of what that might entail. However, some students felt that the lectures were a bit long, or hoped for more details on some of the topics. Suggestions for improvement included providing more of an overview of the Biophysics major at Johns Hopkins, and inviting guest lecturers to speak on different topics over the semester. Any prospective students are encouraged to take this course if they are interested in pursuing a Biophysics major, or if they simply have an interest in the materials. They should know that the course does not require a lot of work and that some background knowledge in Biology is helpful but not necessary.

Fall 2014

Professor: Eric Young

(4.67)

Students praised this course for covering intellectually stimulating and challenging material. Students found that the course was interesting but had a somewhat overwhelming workload. Students had few ideas on how to improve the course; one student suggested the course could be improved by having a greater focus on neural networks. Prospective students should know that students found that the course had a heavy workload.

Spring 2023

Professor: Kechen Zhang

(4.15)