The goal of computational modeling in behavioral and psychological science is using mathematical models to characterize behavioral (or neural) data. Over the past decade, this practice has revolutionized social psychological science (and neuroscience) by allowing researchers to formalize theories as constrained mathematical models and test specific hypotheses to explain unobservable aspects of complex social cognitive processes and behaviors. This course is composed of 4 modules in the format of Jupyter Notebooks. This course comprises lecture-based, discussion-based, and lab-based instruction. At least one-third of class sessions will be hands-on. We will discuss relevant book chapters and journal articles, and work with simulated and real data using the Python programming language (no prior programming experience necessary) as we survey some selected areas of research at the intersection of computational modeling and social behavior. These selected topics will span a broad set of social psychological abilities including (1) learning from and for others, (2) learning about others, and (3) social influence on decision-making and mental states. Rhoads, S. A. & Gan, L. (2022). Computational models of human social behavior and neuroscience - An open educational course and Jupyter Book to advance computational training.  ​​​Journal of Open Source Education, 5(47), 146. https://doi.org/10.21105/jose.00146

This lecture covers visualizing extracellular neurotransmitter dynamics

This lesson goes over the basic mechanisms of neural synapses, the space between neurons where signals may be transmitted. 

This lesson describes spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP), a biological process that adjusts the strength of connections between neurons in the brain, and how one can implement or mimic this process in a computational model. You will also find links for practical exercises at the bottom of this page. 

This lesson discusses a gripping neuroscientific question: why have neurons developed the discrete action potential, or spike, as a principle method of communication? 

This lecture consists of the second half of the introduction to signal transduction, here focusing on cell receptors and signalling cascades.

In this lesson, you will learn about GABAergic interneurons and local inhibition on the circuit level.

This lesson provides an overview of how to construct computational pipelines for neurophysiological data using DataJoint.

This lesson delves into the the structure of one of the brain's most elemental computational units, the neuron, and how said structure influences computational neural network models. 

Following the previous lesson on neuronal structure, this lesson discusses neuronal function, particularly focusing on spike triggering and propogation. 

While the previous lesson in the Neuro4ML course dealt with the mechanisms involved in individual synapses, this lesson discusses how synapses and their neurons' firing patterns may change over time. 

Whereas the previous two lessons described the biophysical and signalling properties of individual neurons, this lesson describes properties of those units when part of larger networks. 

This lesson covers the ionic basis of the action potential, including the Hodgkin-Huxley model. 

This lesson provides an introduction to the myriad forms of cellular mechanisms whicn underpin healthy brain function and communication. 

In this lesson you will learn about the ionic basis of the action potential, including the Hodgkin-Huxley model. 

This lesson provides an introduction to the course Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function.

This lesson covers membrane potential of neurons, and how parameters around this potential have direct consequences on cellular communication at both the individual and population level. 

This lesson covers the spatiotemporal dynamics of the membrane potential.

In this lesson you will learn about neurons' ability to generate signals called action potentials, and biophysics of voltage-gated ion channels.

This lesson discusses voltage-gating kinetics of sodium and potassium channels.