Nervous System

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Describe the normal biological structure and function of the central nervous system
• Explain the basis of neurological examination and investigation of patients
• Explain the principles of simple tests of neurological function and interpret the results
• Demonstrate appropriate numeracy skills in the calculation and interpretation of quantitative scientific and clinical data
• Describe strategies for preventing diseases of the nervous system
• Recognise psychological and sociological consequences of neurological diseases
• Describe the basic principles underlying management options for neurological diseases
• Building on the content of Locomotor module, discuss the nature and interrelationship of factors controlling the actions of the locomotor system
• Identify pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neurological and mental health disorders and describe the scientific bases of common diseases of these systems
• Describe the mechanism of action of drugs used to treat diseases of the nervous system
• Discuss the epidemiology of common conditions of the nervous systems

This module will offer an insight into the complexities of the brain and central nervous system. Building from single synapses through to higher cortical functions the module will demonstrate how the structure of the brain relates to normal neurological function. Common neurological and psychological disorders will be studied in order for students to develop an understanding of pathophysiological processes that may occur in the brain, and how changes in normal brain function can lead to specific neurological signs and symptoms. Students will also consider the sociological and psychological impact of neurological diseases. The module will also build on students’ learning of the locomotor system from Year 1 through consideration of the regulation of movement, and the impact of disease on the bones and joints. Finally, the module will continue their study of immunology, with a focus on the processes underlying autoimmune disease.

The major topics covered will include:

Normal Structure and Function

This element of the course will cover the structures of the head and neck as well as the brain and spinal cord including:

• Development of the central nervous system
• Bones of the skull, face and neck
• Muscles of the head and neck including those involved in movement of the eyes, mastication and the tongue
• Macroscopic and microscopic structures of the brain including meninges
• Topographical mapping of function
• Structure of the spine and spinal cord including myotomes and dermatomes
• Blood supply to head and neck
• Cranial nerve anatomy and function linking to cranial nerve testing as part of a neurological examination
• Major sensory and motor pathways
• Anatomy and function of sensory modalities including vision, hearing and olfaction
• Structure of synapses and neural networks
• Localisation and structure of higher cortical function including speech and language, sleep, memory and executive functions
• Control of motor function including the role of the cerebellum and proprioception
• Perception of pain
• Immunology of autoimmune disease

Pathophysiology and dysfunction of the CNS

The mechanisms underlying a number of diseases and conditions of the nervous and locomotors systems will be investigated from both physiological/anatomical and clinical perspectives. Pharmacological and clinical management of a range of conditions/diseases will be considered. In addition, the psychological and sociological impact of conditions affecting the nervous system will be discussed. Examples of clinical topics addressed may include

• Chronic Pain
• Stroke
• Injuries to the brain and spinal cord
• Chronic neurodegenerative diseases
• CNS Infections
• Psychiatric disorders
• Addiction

Teaching and learning methods

The module will be taught through a range of learning and teaching strategies which will include:

• Lectures
• Tutor led tutorials
• Practical sessions
• Guided self-study
• Problem solving scenarios
• eLearning
• Patient based learning
• Multidisciplinary symposia

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Please see the Blackboard module page for current resources. and the full reading list for this module is available on the Library Online Reading List at http://soton.rl.talis.com/.

Assessment strategy

At the end of Year 2 there is a synoptic assessment comprising an examination component and a Critical Appraisal component. The examination component consists of an MCQ paper and a Practical paper, both covering material from Renal, Nervous System, Gastro-intestinal System, Endocrine and Life Cycle and Research for Medicine and Health modules. There is compensation between these examination components however a qualifying mark needs to be achieved in each of the components.

A stand-alone component of the synoptic assessment is a written Critical Appraisal which must be passed independently of the other examination components and which has a qualifying mark. There is no compensation between this component and the examination component.

Students who fail the synoptic assessment (failure to qualify in any component or achieve the aggregate pass mark) will have a supplementary attempt consisting of both examination components (MCQ and Practical papers), provided the Critical Appraisal is passed. Students who fail the Critical Appraisal component only will have a supplementary attempt only for that component.

Students who fail the supplementary synoptic assessment will be offered a repeat year.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal