NEUR122 Clinical Neuroscience

Department of Social & Behavioral Science

  1. Course Number and Title

    NEUR122 Clinical Neuroscience

  2. Number of Credits

    3 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester

    2250

  4. Prerequisites

    NEUR121 (C or better)

    Corequisites

    None

  5. Other Pertinent Information

    Lecture format. Topics are presented in various modes including, but not limited to, traditional lecture style, classroom exercises emphasizing the analysis of clinical cases, and computer simulations and exercises.

  6. Catalog Course Description

    This course examines the neurobiological basis of brain disorders across the lifespan, from disorders that typically present in childhood, such as autism, to degenerative conditions of old age, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Students learn about diagnostic techniques and current treatments for brain disorders.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. Students will:
        1. demonstrate an understanding of how abnormalities in brain structure and function, developmental aberrations, and the interaction between genetic and environmental factors contribute to the onset and progression of brain disorders;
        2. describe specific abnormalities associated with representative disorders;
        3. describe diagnostic techniques used in current clinical practice;
        4. describe treatments for brain disorders with an emphasis on psychopharmacology;
        5. use library resources, including online electronic resources, to identify and retrieve articles on brain disorders published in the peer-reviewed literature; and
        6. read and discuss articles on brain disorders published in the peer-reviewed literature.

      2. Core (if applicable)
        3. This course is not included in the Core.

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      1. review of the structural and functional features of neurons, basic neuroanatomy, and neurotransmission
      2. review of scientific literacy skills
      3. diagnosis of brain disorders
      4. psychopharmacology and other treatment modalities
      5. brain development and developmental disorders
      6. movement disorders
      7. disorders of the sensory systems
      8. brain and spinal cord injuries
      9. aging and neurodegenerative disorders
      10. disorders of language, cognition, and attention
      11. mood disorders
      12. anxiety disorders
      13. schizophrenia
      14. addiction

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. Exams, papers, and/or projects as specified in the individual instructor’s course format will be utilized.

      2. Core (if applicable)
        3. This course is not included in the Core.

    4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      Students use educational resources as specified in the individual instructor’s course format.

  8. Teaching Methods Employed

    Section VIII is not being used in new and revised syllabi as of 12/10/08.

Approval/Revision Date: Approved 11/16/2012