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Neuroscience

Course Director
Bill Yates, PhD
Professor, Otolaryngology, Neuroscience
byates@pitt.edu

Course Director
Alexis Franks, MD, FAAP
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
alf181@pitt.edu

Course Description

The goals of this course are to develop foundational understanding of the principal structural and functional components of the central nervous system and their vascular supply, and to apply these neuroanatomical and neurophysiological concepts to interpret the etiologies and classical presentations of core neurologic disorders. 

Course topics include the systems of movement, sensation, learning, language, and cognition, and how they are impacted by specific types of disease or abnormal processes.  The course also introduces imaging and other techniques important to the study of brain function and diagnosis of pathophysiology.


Course Learning Objectives

  1. Identify major anatomical structures of the central (CNS) and peripheral nervous systems (PNS).
  2. Explain normal physiological function within the CNS and PNS, including the electrophysiological and biochemical bases of neuronal communication.
  3. Describe embryological development of the CNS and PNS and the normal process of brain development throughout childhood and into adulthood.
  4. Localize neurologic symptoms and corresponding lesions in the CNS and PNS.
  5. Describe the pathophysiology and pathological manifestations of common neurologic diseases.
  6. Describe the clinical presentation and course of common neurologic diseases.
  7. Employ neurodiagnostic (e.g., neuroimaging, neurophysiological testing) biochemical, and genetic testing to assist with diagnosis of common neurologic diseases.
  8. Identify appropriate treatments for common neurologic disorders.
  9. Describe acute and chronic complications of common neurologic diseases.

Educational Methods​

  • Case-based learning
  • Small group workshops
  • Patient presentations
  • Self-study
  • Review sessions
  • Weekly assessments (Formative, Summative)

Assessment

Assessment for this course is based on a cumulative, graded Summative exam.

Requests for excused absences should be submitted via Elentra. Unexcused absences may result in grading penalties as outlined in the Policy on Absence and Attendance.