Meeting Abstract

P1.192  Saturday, Jan. 4 15:30  Electrophysiology of the Neuron 2014: Open access neural simulation software to promote active learning in neurobiology. MARKHAM, M.R.; The University of Oklahoma markham@ou.edu

Neural simulation software allows students to interactively learn how neurons work and learn the mechanisms that neurons use to encode and transmit information. The most widely used simulation packages are commercial products that must be purchased by the student or the institution. We have revised and updated the open access program Electrophysiology of the Neuron (EOTN; John Huguenard and David McCormick) that is no longer compatible with current operating systems. The EOTN 2014 package is compatible with both Windows and Mac OSX operating systems, and is available as a free download. EOTN consists of two programs, one to simulate current-clamp experiments on neurons while manipulating variables such as ion channel density, synaptic inputs, and ion concentrations inside and outside the cell to discover how these changes affect firing properties. The program allows users to see the underlying channel gating, conductance changes, and ion movements that generate the action potentials. The package also features a voltage-clamp simulator that allows students to simulate voltage clamp experiments to witness the behavior of ion channels and characterize the kinetics and voltage dependence of half a dozen different ion channels that shape the electrical activity neurons. The program was designed as a tool for active learning as students interact with the program to discover the biophysical principles that govern neuronal function through a series of structured inquiry-based modules. It also can be used in more traditional lecture-based classes as a demonstration tool. I will present an overview of the program’s capabilities and features, as well as demonstrating some of the available learning modules.