Bioelectricity

Course main goal:

This course aims to give students a basic understanding of bioelectric phenomena (like the Action Potential, the transmission of neural signals and the phenomena taking place during electrical stimulation of neurons) and their mathematical analysis, based on biophysical/mathematical source models and volume conduction theory.

Course description:

In this course the electrophysiological and biophysical processes underlying the generation of bioelectrical activity are presented in relation to the potential differences that can be measured on (or in) the human body. These electrical signals may provide information on the (patho)physiological condition of the corresponding organ. Also, the principles and practicalities of artificial neural stimulation are dealt with. As a general introduction the theory of volume conduction of ionic currents, based on the quasi-static expression of Maxwell's equations, is presented. This theoretical framework is then applied to nerves and neurons. The aim is to obtain a basic understanding of the electrical phenomena involved, emphasizing both on a quantitative description and a model-oriented approach. This knowledge will serve as well as a basis for understanding the basics of neuromodulation (electrical, optical and ultrasound), and clinical measurement methods of ENG, EEG and ECG. The course also serves as an introduction to the extensive international scientific literature on bioelectric phenomena.