Central Nervous System Disorders

Course goals

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS

Studiepunten:    7,5                                                         Cursuscode: BMW31012
Coördinator:      dr. G.J.M. Ramakers/
                            dr. M.M.J. Veeneman-Rijkens             Period: 4
Examinator:       dr. G.J.M. Ramakers                            Timeslot: A+D
E-mail adres:     l.vanoudenaarden@umcutrecht.nl     Level: 3
Tel.nr.:                088 – 756 8413                    


Content
The central nervous system (CNS) is probably the most complex structure in nature. It integrates and stores sensory information from our body and the world around us, determines the relevance of our environment, and lets us behave accordingly. We are only beginning to understand the biological systems that play a role in judging our environment, the intentions of others, our emotions and behavior. Usually, we are hardly aware of all these processes taking place, but whenever they become disrupted, severe suffering or dysfunction may result. Psychiatric and neurological disorders have serious consequences for the patient, the people around him or her, and for society.

The biomedical course 'Central nervous system disorders’ is built around neurological and psychiatric disorders. Each week a neurological or psychiatric disorder will be covered in detail. You will learn about the clinical presentation, the underlying biological systems and prominent research methods used for investigating the disorder. Studying the literature will provide you with the necessary background knowledge. Lectures will cover part of the theory and will illustrate certain clinical aspects of the disorders, when possible by patient demonstrations or video recordings, and highlight relevant biological systems. Prominent researchers will show their research into the specific disorder. In small groups you will focus on a specific neurological or psychiatric disorder. The aim is to write a topical review, using all available information from the literature, the presented research methods in other disorders, and your imagination. At the end of the course, topical reviews will be demonstrated to each other during a mini symposium with peers.

Requirements for admission:
Knowledge of functional neuroanatomy and neurotransmission, as acquired in the BMW course Neurowetenschappen or a similar course.
 
Learning outcomes:
Knowledge and insight
At the end of the course, the student:

1. is able to describe the clinical presentation of the CNS dysfunction.
2. can explain how the CNS dysfunction affects the life of the patient.
3. is capable of explaining the known underlying neurobiological systems.
4. can summarize and explain published research and describe research methods used to investigate CNS dysfunction.

Skills
At the end of the course, the student is able to:

1. discuss scientific articles about the discussed CNS dysfunction.
2. write and present a topical review.

Teaching forms and contact time:
This course will consist of independent study, seminars, tutorials and a practical assignment (topical review). Max 50% of the course will consist of contact time. When foreign students register, this block will be taught in English.
 
Method(s) of testing:
The course grade for the course is composed of the results for the first test (30%), second test (30%), Topical Review (30%) and grade for the PeerWise assignment (10%).  The overall grade should be at least a 5.5 for passing the course. For both tests scores >5.0 are required for passing the course.

Benodigd materiaal (boeken/kosten):

• Neuroscience 7th editions, Augustine, G.J. ., Oxford University Press Inc, 2023
• Additional literature can be downloaded via weblinks on Brightspace.