NeuroSim, Version 5

Neurosim 5 is a computer simulation program intended to help teach cellular and small-systems neurophysiology. It works “off-the-shelf” and requires no programming or specialist computer knowledge. Neurosim can be a major supplement to, and partial replacement of, real laboratory experiments. As well as aiding the understanding of fundamental principles, it gives valuable practice in interpreting and analysing realistic neurophysiological data, and can be used to generate material for problem-solving questions for use in classroom discussion or exams. It can also be used as a visual aid during classroom teaching, to present dynamical events that cannot be adequately illustrated with conventional techniques.

The key design aim is usability - most students can dive straight in and concentrate on the science, rather than struggling with managing the program itself. Neurosim has a highly configurable user interface, so tutors can set up experiments that only expose students to details relevant for a particular learning objective. Tutors can also hide and password-protect specific parameters, so students can be set the challenge of discovering them by experiment. This flexibility makes it suitable for use from simple illustrations of phenomena suitable for junior courses, through to advanced data handling and analysis appropriate for the post-graduate level. It may even provide useful insights for experienced neurophysiologists.

A full description of the program content, complete with an extensive set of tutorials, classroom exercises, walk-throughs and sample configuration files, is available on the support website.

The image shows the simulation with default parameters for the HH (Hodgkin-Huxley) module in Neurosim 5.

Comments & References: Neurosim 5 is a fully-revised and updated upgrade from version 4 (which was previously sold through Biosoft).

Author: Dr W. J. Heitler (School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, Scotland).

Computer Type: Windows 

Price: Single-user version available from the Microsoft Store: £16.74. For institutional volume purchase options, please contact the author.

Version: 5.0