Biophysical factors can impact synaptic weights through calcium dynamics. (a) Synaptic weight can be calculated from calcium dynamics (Shouval et al., 2002). We plot changes in synaptic weight due to calcium quantified through accumulated calcium. (b) Calcium dynamics also dictate the learning rate of the spine. (c) Qualitative representation of the effects of calcium AUC on synaptic weight and learning rate. Using our model, we can map how various factors governing calcium dynamics influence both synaptic weights and learning rates of dendritic spines. This surface plot visualizes how three different factors (volume to surface area ratio, ultrastructure, and calcium buffers) couple to influence calcium AUC (color bar) that feeds back into synaptic weight changes and learning rates.