This module is a multidisciplinary introduction to the human nervous system that integrates both basic sciences and clinical disciplines. Our emphasis is on the basic sciences underlying clinical disorders. 

To achieve this integration, we have both basic science and clinical faculty participating in lectures, laboratories, and cases as well as application conferences on neurological and psychiatric disorders as an integral part of our teaching. Particular emphasis will be placed on the clinically based problem-solving skills necessary for developing a competent differential diagnosis.

The basic sciences that are taught include neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropathology, psychopathology, neuropharmacology, and psychopharmacology; the clinical disciplines that are taught include neurology and psychiatry. The host departments for this integrated module include Cellular and Structural Biology, Child Neurology, Child Psychiatry, Infectious Disease, Neurology, Neuroradiology, Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Psychiatry.

Weekly Themes

• Week One - Introduction to Psychopathology and the Mental Status Exam; Overview of the CNS and Motor Systems, Introductions to Neurology and Neuropathology; Eye Anatomy Review and Eye Diseases; Neurophysiology Review and Spinal Reflexes

• Week Two – Anxiety Disorders, the Neurological Examination and Lesion Localization, Somatosensory Pathways

• Week Three – Depressive and Bipolar Disorders, Stroke, Peripheral Nerve and Muscle Disorders, Motor Neuron and NMJ Disorders

• Week Four – Child Psychiatry and Neurology, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Epilepsy, Cerebellum, Reticular Formation

• Week Five – Personality Disorders and Factitious Disorders, Violent and Suicidal Patients, Demyelinating and Degenerative Disorders, Hypothalamus, Thalamus, Cerebral Cortex

• Week Six – Psychosis and Schizophrenia, Movement Disorders, Headaches, Concussion/TBI, Basal Ganglia, Limbic System, Gait and Mobility Lab

• Week Seven – Eye Movement Disorders, Eating Disorders, Neurocognitive Disorders/Dementia, CNS Neoplasms, Visual Pathways, Orofacial Reflexes, Sensory Transduction

• Week Eight – CNS Infectious Diseases, Vestibular System and Disorders, Substance Use Disorders and Pharmacology, Delirium, Somatic Symptom Disorders, Coma