Learning and teaching the simulation of biologically based neural networks using Brian

Abstract

This thesis is a guide for the simulation of neural networks, as they occur in various creatures. For the simulation the software package Brian is used. It is a package that is available for nearly all operating systems. The guide is written for two different target audiences. First, for researchers with little or no experience in software development. The second target audience are people with a lot of computer science experience but with a lack of biologically or mathematically knowledge.<br />While Chapter "Simulation" offers a guide for self-studying, this thesis also presents a concept how this knowledge can be taught to the two target audiences.<br />The example that is used for the simulation is first explained in a very detailed manner. Both, the mathematical an the biological, backgrounds are covered. The example is a model of the human locomotion generator.<br />The biological procedures are simulated step by step to support a better understanding of the topic. After a reader has worked through this guide he will be qualified to continue working with the simulation package Brian on its own behalf.<br />