Theoretical neuroscience

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the complexity of neuroscience research, presenting descriptions of different molecular and cellular neuroscience areas. The main milestones of the historical development of neuroscience are introduced by pointing out the main discoveries over the decades. Highlights regarding the applications of molecular neuroscience research provide a basis to understand how the benchmark techniques can be translated to clinical practice. Important initiatives on computational and mathematical methods for neuroscience are presented, leading to simulations of neural function on different temporal and spatial scales. This overview could not be complete without an introductory part about cognition and behavior. Finally, some examples of neural treatment simulation are presented, giving hints about how one can understand the effects of light on biological neural tissue even before turning on the first laser or LED. This wide overview on theoretical neuroscience will contribute to a better understating of the variety and reach of knowledge to make the remainder of the book more comprehensible.