Advanced Course in Computational Neuroscience 2009

3-28 August 2009, Freiburg, Germany.
The Advanced Course in Computational Neuroscience (ACCN) is for advanced
graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who are interested in
learning the essentials of the field.

SCIENTIFIC DIRECTORS:
* Nicolas Brunel (CNRS & Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France)
* John Rinzel (New York University, New York, USA)
* Peter Latham (Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, UCL, UK)
* Yifat Prut (Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel)
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR:
* Florence Dancoisne (Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience
Freiburg, Germany)
The course has two complementary parts. Mornings are devoted to lectures given by distinguished international faculty on topics across the breadth of experimental and computational neuroscience. During the rest of the day, students pursue a project of their choosing under the close supervision of expert tutors. This gives them practical training in the art and practice of neural modeling.
The first week of the course introduces students to essential
neurobiological concepts and to the most important techniques in
modeling single cells, synapses and circuits. Students learn how to
solve their research problems using software such as MATLAB, NEST,
NEURON, Python, XPP, etc. During the following three weeks the lectures
cover networks and specific neural systems and functions. Topics range
from modeling single cells and subcellular processes through the
simulation of simple circuits, large neuronal networks and system level
models of the brain. The course ends with project presentations by the
students.
In addition, we will offer three internships to ACCN students. These
fully funded internships will allow students to work, post-ACCN, on a
research project in a faculty member’s lab for up to three months.
Applications for internships will be considered after the ACCN.
The course is designed for students from a variety of disciplines,
including neuroscience, physics, electrical engineering, computer
science, mathematics and psychology. Students are expected to have a
keen interest and basic background in neurobiology as well as some
computer experience. Students of any nationality can apply.
A maximum of 30 students will be accepted. The current fee for the
course will be EUR 500; this will cover tuition, lodging, breakfast and
dinner. There will be a limited number of course fee scholarships and
travel stipends available for students who need financial help for
attending the course. We specifically encourage applications from
researchers who work in the developing world.
Applications for the ACCN, including a description of the target project, must be submitted electronically (see below) and will need to
be accompanied by the names and email details of two referees who have
agreed to furnish references. Applicants will need to ensure that their
referees have submitted their references. Applications will be assessed
by a committee, with selection being based on the following criteria:
the scientific quality of the candidate (CV) and of the project, the
recommendation letters, and evidence that the course will afford
substantial benefit to the candidate.
Please apply electronically using a web browser.
For more information and access to the application database go to:
http://www.neuroinf.org/courses/EUCOURSE/F09/index.shtml
Application deadline: April 2, 2009
Deadline for letters of recommendation: April 2, 2009
Notification of results: April 30, 2009