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KandelLab
Principles of Neural Science · in Simulation
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KandelLab is a simulation system for the principles of neuroscience — implementing the core models of Eric Kandel's classic textbook Principles of Neural Science from scratch in code, one by one. Every concept corresponds to a runnable simulation experiment, where students adjust parameters, observe phenomena, and verify the theory.
The system spans four levels: from the molecular dynamics of ion channels, to the population behavior of neural circuits, to information coding in sensory systems, and finally to decision models at the cognitive level. All simulations run in real time in your browser — no software installation required.
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Twelve Core Concepts
Progression: Cells → Circuits → Systems → Cognitive
I. Cellular Level · Cells
- ◆Ion concentration gradients determine the membrane potential (Nernst equation)
- ◆Permeability determines the resting potential (GHK equation)
- ◆Action potentials are the dynamics of voltage-gated ion channels (HH model)
- ◆Neurons encode information in spike trains (LIF model)
- ◆Synaptic inputs integrate over space and time to trigger firing
II. Circuit Level · Circuits
- ◆Synaptic strength changes with use (Hebbian plasticity)
- ◆Lateral inhibition sharpens sensory contrast (center–surround antagonism)
- ◆Cortical excitation–inhibition balance (Wilson–Cowan)
- ◆Oscillation and synchronization underlie neural rhythms (Kuramoto)
III. System Level · Systems
- ◆Sensory systems are tuned to stimulus features (vision/audition)
- ◆Motor learning and VOR gain adaptation
- ◆Associative memory (Hopfield network)
- ◆Learning depends on reward prediction error (dopamine)
IV. Cognitive Level · Cognition
- ◆Decision-making is evidence accumulation to a threshold (drift-diffusion model)
- ◆Signal detection theory: d' and decision criterion
- ◆Population coding and Fisher information
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Reference Textbooks
| Level | Primary Textbook | Additional References |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate foundation | Kandel, Principles of Neural Science, 6th | Bear, Connors & Paradiso |
| Graduate / computational | Dayan & Abbott, Theoretical Neuroscience | Gerstner et al., Neuronal Dynamics |
How to Use
Each module page includes:
- Core equations and theoretical background
- An adjustable parameter panel — change parameters, then click “Run Simulation”
- Simulation results rendered as pure-CSS charts (no SVG/Canvas)
- Numerical data tables for further analysis