Home       Objectives       Schedule       Lectures       Topics       Cases       Quizzes       PDA Refs     

Learning Objectives:

There is no formal or uniform educational philosophy at this institution. There are no general goals for the organ system courses. Therefore, for the Nervous Organ System Course objectives can be determined by the faculty and students on both a general and topic specific basis. Each lecture has specific objectives; however, there important overall objectives which are important to your medical career. These include:

1. Apply neuroanatomic principles to localize symptoms and signs of nervous system disease
2. Develop a foundation of clinical knowledge in neurology
3. Discover important concepts and specific knowledge for the National Board Examinations
4. Learn to develop a differential diagnosis for patients with clinical manifestations of neurologic disease
5. Establish a link between the principles of basic neuroscience and clinical neurology

Although you may find these objectives under the satiric acronym ADDLE to be self evident, every one of these objectives is missed by some members of every class. This is unfortunate and can leave the student with an unsatisfactory learning experience. Hopefully, by considering these objectives you will have a productive learning experience of long-term value.

Introduction to Clinical Neurology

Course Objectives:

This course is spread out through the Neuroscience Block IV to provide clinical and basic science background for our students.  It is important to recognize that this course is the apex of the studies in the Block and will prepare the student for clinical rotations In subsequent years of medical school.  Major Course Objectives include:   

1) Learn the spectrum of neurologic diseases from muscle disorders to neuromuscular junction disorders to peripheral neuropathy and to diseases of the central nervous system.

 

2) Learn the symptoms and signs of neurologic diseases by study of clinical cases.

 

3) Learn to localize the neurologic disease by applying knowledge of neuroanatomy.

 

4) Learn how neurological diseases are diagnosed and treated.

 

5) Learn the diagnostic tests for evaluation of neurologic diseases, including lumbar puncture, electromyography and nerve conduction studies and brain imaging (computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging).

 

6) Prepare for the National Board Examination.  Topics in this course cover a high percentage (>90%) of material tested on the Board exam.  Basic science and clinical information in this course is highly likely to be the subject of board questions.

 

7) Prepare for the required Junior/Senior year clinical clerkship in Neurology and elective clinical and research rotations including the Neurology Honors Program (contact Dr. Rose 581-9381). 

Course Grade

The material for this course will be covered on the second, third and final examinations for Neuroscience Block IV.  Most test questions will be derived from the lectures, notes and small group cases. A grade of Honors will be awarded to the top students in the class in accordance with current policy. To pass the student must have a combined score greater than 2 standard deviations below the mean or >70% which ever favors the student.  If a student does not pass, a grade will not be issued and a make up examination will be given to determine the final grade.

SIGN:  Student Interest Group In Neurology

            This is a student group associated with the American Academy of Neurology (AAN).  Our University of Utah students are active in this organization.  Special lectures are given throughout the academic year.  Summer research scholarships are available on a competitive basis from the AAN.  Please contact the SIGN president for more information.