TEACHING ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY USING NEURONAL ROBOTS AND NEURONAL NETWORKS

Some physiological proceedings are relatively complex and difficult to learn for the students. This is the case for neuronal performance, interneuronal communication (synapse), neural networks and, specially, understanding the emergent properties that arise from integration and interaction of the former components. To improve the study and comprehension of these concepts we have designed and developed a didactical material (hardware and software) integrated by: physical models of complex neurons (using microcontrollers), a oscilloscope with eight channels and connectable to a computer, a “neuronal generator”, computerized and able to be programmed, and a tutorial guide for professors and students.
The neurone model allows the study of their basic features as well as building and analysing the properties of different networks using inhibitory and/or excitatory chemical synapses. The system is maintained and modulated by the “neuronal generator” that electrically simulated trains of action potentials. Results are graphically register and showed by the oscilloscope and stored in the computer for a subsequent study.
This system is focussed to students of biomedical areas and favours an active learning of students by means of a leaded self-learning; it is easy to use, interactive and innovative.
This work has been supported by a Proyecto de Innovación Docente granted for the Universidad de Granada.