A clinically oriented study of the structures and functions of the human nervous system and human behavior. Relevant biochemistry, histology, anatomy, physiology, neurology, and clinical skills are integrated into case discussions and authentic clinical experiences.
Athena Title
Brain and Behavior I
Prerequisite
Students must be enrolled in the first year of the Doctor of Medicine curriculum
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory)
Student learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to identify and relate the anatomical structures of the human head and neck, including the brain, spinal cord, skull, and face and their associated neural and vascular supply.
By the end of this course, students will be able to describe the embryonic development of the nervous system, head, and neck.
By the end of this course, students will be able to describe the role of both the somatic and autonomic nervous systems in maintaining homeostasis.
By the end of this course, students will be able to describe the major brain regions and their roles in cognitive and sensory functions (e.g., language, learning, memory, vision, hearing, movement, sleep, mood, emotion).
By the end of this course, students will be able to describe the histological organization, function, and clinical significance of the structures of the ear and eye.
By the end of this course, students will be able to apply knowledge of functional neuroanatomy to recognize and localize lesions of the central or peripheral nervous system, correlating clinical deficits with specific neuroanatomical disruptions.
By the end of this course, students will be able to explain pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying neurological disease and apply this knowledge in case-based discussions of patients with select neurologic or psychiatric diagnoses.
By the end of this course, students will be able to describe biopsychosocial determinants of health and how they impact individuals and communities.
By the end of this course, students will be able to critically appraise a study about treatment and correctly decide whether, when, and how to use the evidence to inform clinical decisions.
By the end of this course, students will be able to utilize appropriate resources to answer scientific and clinical questions relevant to course content.
By the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate proper technique for head, ears, eyes, nose, and throat (HEENT), neck, and neurologic examinations, including obtaining relevant history and documenting findings.
By the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate level-appropriate effective communication and interpersonal skills when delivering patient-centered care in simulated and real-world patient encounters.
By the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate professionalism and ethical behavior in all activities, including patient-centered care.
Topical Outline
● Gross anatomy of the brain and spinal cord, head, face, and neck.
● Histological features of the eye and ear.
● Physiologic function of the nervous system including homeostasis, cerebral blood flow, cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, brain metabolism, cranial nerves, spinal reflexes, somatosensory and motor tracts, neuronal communication, vision, hearing, vestibular function, coordination, and movement.
● Normal development of the nervous system, head, and neck.
● Behavioral neurobiology including neurodevelopment, cognition, learning and memory, emotion, mood, and sleep.
● Pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of selected neurologic or psychiatric conditions.
● Select topics related to evidence-based medicine, clinical decision making, bias, and social determinants of health.
● Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
● Collection of patient history and performance of select clinical examinations including HEENT, neck and neurologic exams.
● Select topics related to professional behavior, ethics, personal development, resilience, and professional identity formation.
