Circadian Oscillators: Entrainment and Synchronization

This lecture covers the entrainment and synchronization of circadian oscillators, focusing on the phase-dependent shift of human circadian rhythms in response to light pulses. It explores the Kuramoto model, collective synchronization in populations, and the impact of external stimuli on oscillator behavior. The lecture delves into the concept of phase locking, phase drift, and the stability criteria for discrete dynamical systems. Through examples and model analysis, the instructor illustrates how interactions between oscillators and their environment give rise to collective phenomena such as synchronization.