Bioelectricity and Circuit Theory in the Mammalian Nervous System

Course Description

Dive into the fascinating world of bioelectricity and circuit theory in the context of the mammalian nervous system with this intermediate-level engineering course offered by PurdueX. This comprehensive course, part of the nanoHUB-U project, bridges the gap between engineering, mathematics, and neuroscience, offering students a unique opportunity to explore the intricate workings of the human body's electrical systems.

What Students Will Learn

• Fundamentals of bioelectricity in the mammalian nervous system and other excitable tissues
• Passive and active forms of electric signals in single cells and cell-cell communication
• Tissue and systemic bioelectricity
• Mathematical analysis techniques, including the Nernst equation, Goldman equation, linear cable theory, and Hodgkin-Huxley Model
• Design and construction of a wireless bioelectric recording device for prosthetic limb control

Prerequisites

• Freshman-level college physics
• Understanding of differential equations
• Introductory programming experience (any language, Python preferred)

Course Content

• Introduction to the nervous system and simple neural circuits
• Electric signals in cells and resting potential of membranes
• Chemical signaling and neurotransmitters
• Filtering and spatio-temporal propagation of signals
• Ion channels and post-synaptic receptors
• Models of conductors and the core conductor model
• Derivation and application of the cable model
• Hodgkin-Huxley equation and its insights
• Numerical methods for solving bioelectric problems
• Applications of bioelectricity in medicine and technology

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for students interested in understanding the relationship between the human body's systems that involve or communicate with bioelectrical systems. It's particularly suited for those studying engineering, physics, biology, or neuroscience who want to gain a deeper understanding of how bioelectricity influences the heart, brain, muscles, and the neuromuscular system.

Real-World Applications

• Development of advanced prosthetic limbs and neural interfaces
• Understanding and treating neurological disorders like Parkinson's Disease and epilepsy
• Advancing research in drug addiction and targeted muscle reinnervation
• Designing new medical devices for diagnosing and treating bioelectrical disorders
• Contributing to cutting-edge fields like optogenetics
• Improving brain-computer interfaces for various applications

Syllabus

Conclusion

This course offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, preparing students for exciting careers at the intersection of engineering, neuroscience, and medicine. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in bioelectricity and its applications, positioning them at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.