Neuromorphic synapse apparatus is provided comprising a synaptic device and a control signal generator. The synaptic device comprises a memory element, disposed between first and second terminals, for conducting a signal between those terminals with an efficacy which corresponds to a synaptic weight in a read mode of operation, and a third terminal operatively coupled to the memory element. The memory element has a non-volatile characteristic, which is programmable to vary the efficacy in response to programming signals applied via the first and second terminals in a write mode of operation, and a volatile characteristic which is controllable to vary the efficacy in response to control signals applied to the third terminal. The control signal generator is responsive to input signals and is adapted to apply control signals to the third terminal in the read and write modes, in dependence on the input signals, to implement predetermined synaptic dynamics.