EdX

Neuronal Dynamics (edX)

Neuronal Dynamics (edX)

The activity of neurons in the brain and the code used by these neurons is described by mathematical neuron models at different levels of detail.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see EdX's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

This course gives an introduction to the field of theoretical and computational neuroscience with a focus on models of single neurons. Neurons encode information about stimuli in a sequence of short electrical pulses (spikes). Students will learn how mathematical tools such as differential equations, phase plane analysis, separation of time scales, and stochastic processes can be used to understand the dynamics of neurons and the neural code.

What you'll learn
How mathematical tools such as differential equations, phase plane analysis, separation of time scales, and stochastic processes can be used to understand the dynamics of neurons and the neural code

Syllabus

Week 1: A first simple neuron model
Week 2: Hodgkin-Huxley models and biophysical modeling
Week 3: Two-dimensional models and phase plane analysis
Week 4: Two-dimensional models (cont.)/ Dendrites
Week 5: Variability of spike trains and the neural code
Week 6: Noise models, noisy neurons and coding
Week 7: Estimating neuron models for coding and decoding

Suggested Readings:
Neuronal Dynamics: From Single Neurons to Networks and Models of Cognition

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

AP® Psychology - Course 2: How the Brain Works (edX) EdX
The University of British Columbia,UBCx

AP® Psychology - Course 2: How the Brain Works (edX)

Learn how your brain works and the basics of neuroscience, genetics and consciousness. This psychology course will show you how the brain works. You will learn the basics of neuroscience, genetics and evolutionary psychology. We will also cover the visual system and other sensory systems. The course concludes with coverage of the variety of states of consciousness.

No session available
5-12 Weeks
Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Cognitive Sciences (Coursera) Coursera
University of Edinburgh

Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Cognitive Sciences (Coursera)

What is our role in the universe as human agents capable of knowledge? What makes us intelligent cognitive agents seemingly endowed with consciousness? This is the second part of the course 'Philosophy and the Sciences', dedicated to Philosophy of the Cognitive Sciences. Scientific research across the cognitive sciences has raised pressing questions for philosophers. The goal of this course is to introduce you to some of the main areas and topics at the key juncture between philosophy and the cognitive sciences. Each week we will introduce you to some of these important questions at the forefront of scientific research. We will explain the science behind each topic in a simple, non-technical way, while also addressing the philosophical and conceptual questions arising from it.

Nov 16th 2026
4 Weeks
The Many Faces of Dementia (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University College London

The Many Faces of Dementia (FutureLearn)

Gain a unique insight into dementia through the stories, symptoms and science behind four less common diagnoses. Explore key issues in dementia care and research, through four less common forms. Dementia is one of the foremost priorities in global health and is estimated to affect over 44 million people worldwide.

Self Paced
4 Weeks
Simulating a Hippocampus Microcircuit (edX) EdX
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne,EPFLx

Simulating a Hippocampus Microcircuit (edX)

In this course, you will learn to simulate, analyze and visualize hippocampal microcircuits. You will reproduce experimental protocols “in silico” to validate simulated microcircuit behaviors, and leverage the brain simulation platform to gain insights towards parsimonious theories on brain function. Simulation Neuroscience is an emerging approach to integrate the knowledge dispersed throughout the field of neuroscience.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Behavioral Neuroscience: Foundations of Compulsive Behaviors (edX) EdX
University of Alaska Fairbanks,AlaskaX

Behavioral Neuroscience: Foundations of Compulsive Behaviors (edX)

The first MOOC to teach behavioral neuroscience research using laboratory mice. Learn responsible conduct of research and how to collect scientific data using two different tests that measure compulsions, and interpret and discuss the results in the context of obsessive-compulsive disorder in humans.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Behavioral Neuroscience: Contrasting Tests for Anxiety and Depression (edX) EdX
University of Alaska Fairbanks,AlaskaX

Behavioral Neuroscience: Contrasting Tests for Anxiety and Depression (edX)

In this online course, learn how to critically evaluate the use of different behavioral tests for anxiety and depression in laboratory mice, and gain a better understanding of how these tests can affect the interpretation of results in the context of mental illness and human psychiatric conditions and mouse models.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function (edX) EdX
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne,EPFLx

Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function (edX)

This course aims for a mechanistic description of mammalian brain function at the level of individual nerve cells and their synaptic interactions. Brain and behavior are inextricably linked in neuroscience. The function of the brain is to govern behavior, and the aim of this course is to causally link biophysical mechanisms with simple behaviors studied in mice.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Introducción a la Neurociencia (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad de Palermo

Introducción a la Neurociencia (Coursera)

¿Qué es la neurociencia? ¿Cuáles son sus objetivos? ¿Cómo está compuesto y cómo funciona tu cerebro? ¿De qué modo incide sobre tus conductas y comportamientos? ¿Cómo se interrelacionan el cerebro y la mente? ¿Qué son los neurotransmisores y qué tipos de neurotransmisores existen? ¿Qué son las neuronas?

Nov 23rd 2026
3 Weeks
Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers (edX) EdX
University of Cambridge

Learning and memory in the brain: a guide for teachers (edX)

This course will help you discover how neuroscience and psychology can help your students learn more effectively. This course provides a guided tour through the brain, looking at the changes that occur on a cellular level when we learn new information or store a memory. Using research from neuroscience and psychology, we will look at the process of storing long-term memories, and how you can help your students do this effectively.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
The Neuroscience of Leading High-Performance Teams (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

The Neuroscience of Leading High-Performance Teams (Coursera)

In a demanding business world, team performance matters. At a time in history when teams are less engaged and more unmotivated than ever before, this course we will help give you the competitive edge you are looking for. What if your teams were more motivated and engaged? What if we found a way to harness the primal power of storytelling to influence and collaborate with others? What if we created an environment of psychological safety and trust for the teams we lead?

Nov 16th 2026
5-12 Weeks