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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 and peripheral nervous systems using labeled diagrams, descriptions, or neuroimaging modalities.
  2. Match physiological functions to corresponding neuroanatomical structures.
  3. Localize pathological processes to specific subdivisions or regions of the nervous system when presented with neurological findings in patient scenarios.
  4. Recall the pathophysiology and gross pathology of common neurological diseases and describe their typical clinical course.
  5. Describe neurologic manifestations that arise from systemic illnesses.
  6. Be able to describe electrophysiological, biochemical and molecular bases of neuronal communication, and relate these concepts to the neuropharmacological manipulation of brain function. Emphasis will be on CNS systems, especially sensory and motor disorders and degenerative diseases.
  7. Describe the electrophysiological and biochemical bases of neuronal communication.
  8. Explain the pathophysiology of how abnormalities in neurophysiologic function produce diseases.
  9. Describe how pharmacological interventions alter neurophysiology to treat neurologic diseases.
  10. Identify structural and functional nervous system abnormalities using conventional imaging techniques.
  11. Select most appropriate imaging modality for specific clinical scenarios.
  12. Select most appropriate treatment options for common neurologic disorders based on clinical case scenarios / presentations.
  13. Describe potential acute and long-term effects of damage in specific regions of the nervous system.

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.