Would you like to build a model of the brain but don’t know where to start?
Want to test a hypothesis or find an explanation for your experimental observations?
Our hands-on course will provide you an accelerated introduction to theory, methods, and tools to build brain circuit models at multiple scales (molecular, cellular, network, system, behavior) using the NetPyNE and NEURON tools. Our tutors will then work closely with you to help you develop your own model. For more details on the software tool see our eLife publication and tool website.
The course is organized by the Dura-Bernal Lab and the Neurosim lab at the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University. The course is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institutes of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).
When: May 17 to June 1, 2021
Where: Online (Note: it may be possible to arrange small in-person working groups for participants near New York City).
Participants: This course is intended for neuroscience students, researchers and clinicians with an interest in developing a computational model based on their experimental data or theoretical ideas. Applicants are required to propose their project at the time of application and must have a basic knowledge of programming in Python. The course will be limited to 20 participants to ensure individualized attention.
Fees: Course fees will be covered with funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), but a full commitment is expected from each accepted participant.
Lecturers and Tutors: Lessons and hands-on tutoring will be provided by the developers of the tools and advanced users, including: Salvador Dura-Bernal, William W Lytton, Joe W Graham, Robert McDougal, Sam Neymotin, Craig Kelley and Joao Moreira.
Guest Speakers: The course will also include guest speakers describing their work using NetPyNE, including Cristoph Metzner (Schizophrenia), Sam Neymotin/Haroon Anwar (Spiking network playing games), Erica Griffith (Auditory thalamocortical network), Mohamed Sherif (Neuropsychiatric disease), Stephanie Jones (Human Neocortical Neurosolver), and others.
Tentative Schedule and Program:
Monday May 17 - Friday May 21: Introduction to computational neuroscience and extensive hands-on training with modeling tools: basics of the widely-used simulator NEURON and detailed training on using NetPyNE to build, run parallel simulations, analyze, and optimize biophysical neural circuit models, including several example models.
Monday May 24 - Friday May 28: Participants will focus on developing their models with one-on-one support from tutors, and occasional guest speakers describing their NetPyNE models.
Tuesday June 1: Project presentations by students.
Application Process: The application process was closed on April 27. We will make the course material (including video recordings) public after the course is completed. We will also organize other courses and workshops in the future, including at CNS'2021. If you want to receive information on new available material and future courses please sign up to the NetPyNE mailing list.
Applicants will be notified by May 3 if they have been accepted into the course. In order to ensure individual attention, only 20 students will be accepted. For questions please email salvador.dura-bernal@downstate.edu.
We are committed to creating a diverse course with every participant able to thrive both personally and professionally. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.