Thesis (PhD(Computer and Information Science))--University of South Australia, 2018. Includes bibliographical references (pages 141-151) Brain structures governing olfactory sensation provide a unique window for study of cortical information processing. The largest and most well studied cortical area of the olfactory system is the piriform cortex. The piriform cortex in particular is attractive for study as it is considered a simple structure in comparison with other primary sensory cortices. Additionally, the physical location of the piriform cortex on the outer surface of the brain allows accessibility for electrophysiological techniques. As a result, research on the piriform cortex has a long history that has produced many experimental,theoretical and computational investigations. However, recent electrophysiological studies have provided new insights into the cellular properties and connectivity within piriform cortex, that together constitute a microcircuit not previously studied using computational models of the olfactory system. It was the aim of this thesis to construct a biophysically detailed model that incorporates this new data and investigates its role in dynamics and function of piriform cortex. The model of this thesis is the first to include two classes of principal neuron, the semi-lunar (SL) and superficial pyramidal (SP) cells of the piriform cortex. Additionally, effects of short term plasticity shown to be present in cortex are included that are unique to this model. Throughout this thesis the role of the SL cells and other unique model inclusions are analysed for their influence on both function and dynamics of the piriform cortex model. This was achieved by analysis of dynamic behaviour and functional performance of model variants.