basic working knowledge and language of the central nervous system and (2) to present the basic functional neuroanatomy required to understand and interpret the neurological exam. These objectives are achieved by utilizing a variety of teaching formats, including lectures, laboratory, case studies, and patient presentations. The lectures provide in-depth discussion of selected topics in neuroanatomy and neurology. The laboratory consists of two components, wet labs and computer labs. The wet labs use fixed specimens of whole brains and brain sections to provide a general overview of the 3-D structure of the brain. This is then expanded upon by the computer labs which examine brain anatomy at a detailed view of the regional anatomy of the brain and spinal cord. The computer CD "Neuroanatomy Laboratory Assistant" is a sophisticated, interactive laboratory exercise and atlas which will guide the students through images of brain regions, highlighting the structures that they are expected to see and understand. The program is available on the computers in the Fisher Learning Center, which is located in the Medical School Library. (See below for additional details about the laboratory component of the course.) Case studies are problem solving exercises in which the students use their understanding of brain structure and function to solve clinical problems. The clinical patient presentations are led by clinicians and augment the case studies by providing real-life examples that illustrate how knowledge of functional neuroanatomy can be used to understand clinical problems.Exams: There will be three examinations during this course. Each exam has both written and practical components. The practical component will test knowledge of brain anatomy using projection of slides depicting gross brain preparations and brain sections. The written exam will consist of multiple choice questions that are designed to test knowledge of the structure and function of the central nervous system. The grades at the end of the course will be HONORS, HIGH PASS, PASS, CONDITION or FAIL. In accordance with the Dean's Office, the top 12 (+4)% of the students will receive the HONORS grade. The next 20 (+5)% of the students will receive the HIGH PASS grade. In general, a combined average of all exams of 70 is required to obtain a passing grade. However, the actual cut-off for passing is adjusted based on overall class performance.
Any student who wishes to raise a question about the answers or grading of a written or practical examination must do so within one week from the time the examination is returned.
Study Materials: Lecture and laboratory handouts that cover the essential elements of the course are provided to all students. In addition, students may supplement these with one or more of the following. "Basic Clinical Neuroanatomy," by Young and Young, published by Williams and Wilkins, 1997. "Manter's Essentials of Clinical Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology," 8th edition, by Gilman and Winans, published by F.A. Davis. We also recommend as an atlas "The Human Brain," by Nolte and Angevine, published by Mosby.
Neuroanatomy Laboratory: The laboratory component of the neuroanatomy course has been designed to function with the assistance of a CD-ROM tailored by the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology to meet the needs of our course. The computerized program was designed to function as a self-study tool to be used by the students. For those laboratories indicated as Computer Lab, students go to the Fisher Learning center on the 3rd floor of the library for a session of computer directed study by the CD-ROM called Neuroanatomy Laboratory Assistant. During that period one or more faculty will be in attendance to respond to questions and help with the operation of the computer program. Because the Neuroanatomy Laboratory Assistant program functions as a self-study tool, the faculty will be doing no specific teaching during these computer sessions. At specified times following study of the computer program, students will assemble in the laboratory modules on the 6th floor of the Kresge building for a review session of the laboratory material led by a faculty member. These latter sessions are designed to clarify any questions that students may have as a result of their independent study of the Neuroanatomy Laboratory Assistant. It is also an opportunity for the faculty to offer specific insights to the material in small group settings which are better suited for tailoring material to specific student needs.
Some laboratories deal with the gross brain rather than the microscopic material handled by the CD-ROM in the library. These laboratories are held in the Kresge lab modules and are led by the faculty. Students may return to the lab modules to review the gross material on their own. In addition, related material is also presented for review on the CD-ROM.