NEUROSCIENCES I

I. Goals and objectives

In this course, basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology as relevant to clinical medicine are covered. Students are expected to achieve a working knowledge of the following areas:
 

a. Gross anatomical structure of the human brain and spinal cord
 
b. Cellular physiology of neurons and peripheral nerves

c. Interconnections of the various neural subsystems
 
d. The functional organization of the nervous system
 
e. Strategy for localizing neurological disease processes
 
f. Introduction to selected clinical neurological disorders.
 

Further, the course is designed to provide students with fundamental concepts needed for the study of medical neuropharmacology, neuropathology, and neurology.
 

II. Format
 

Neurosciences is taught in a five week block during April and May of the first year.
 
Course material covers the topics of neurohistology, development of the nervous system, cranial nerves, sensory systems, motor systems, autonomic function, neural basis of emotion, neurotransmitters, structure and function of the cerebral cortex, EEG and sleep, vascular supply of the brain and formation and function of the cerebrospinal fluid. These subjects are covered in a series of lectures which are extensively supplemented with audiovisual materials. Related clinical issues are discussed by clinical members of the Neurosciences faculty in special sessions designated as "clinical correlations". Case studies are presented to illustrate the application of basic principles to clinical neurology. Reviews of course material are conducted by faculty members.
 

A series of three laboratory sessions are provided to review the gross anatomy of the brain. Plastinated specimens of whole, half, horizontal and coronal brain sections are utilized in a small group setting. These sessions are taught by Neuroscience faculty members and assisted by Neuroscience graduate students.
 

III. Responsible faculty
 

Henry Edinger, Ph.D. MSB H-639 2-4642
Associate Professor
 
Nicholas Ingoglia, Ph.D. MSB H-643 2-4776
Professor
 
Allan Siegel, Ph.D. MSB H-512 2-4471
Professor and Course Director

Andrew R. Pachner, MD MSB H-506 2-5208
Professor
   

IV. Evaluation and grades

During the course students take two examinations that focus on topics of basic science and clinical relevance: one mid-term exam and a comprehensive final exam (subject exam from the National Board of Medical Examiners). Although there is no separate "practical examination" utilizing gross or microscopic materials, the tests require identification of brain structures on 2-dimensional images.
 
The mid-term and final exams are weighted according to the number of questions on each. The midterm accounts for approximately one third of the course grade and the final exam accounts for the other two thirds. Letter grades are equivalent to the following scores:
 

HONORS - 90 and above

HIGH PASS - 80 - 89
 
PASS - 70 - 79
 
FAIL - 69 and below
 

V. Self-instructional materials

Required texts are announced prior to the start of the course each year.
 
Numerous textbooks on neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, as well as self-instructional video tapes and slide collections, are available during the course in the George F. Smith Library. Computer programs relevant to the Neurosciences I course are available in the student computer center.
 
A course syllabus (lecture outlines and laboratory notes) is distributed to each student at the beginning of the course.
 

VI. Tutorial help

Assistance is provided by the members of the department upon request.