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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
MD Education Program

Neuroscience and Behavior (6 weeks)

Students’ knowledge of the physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology of the brain and the nervous system and their knowledge of mind-body interactions enable them to describe the major diseases of these systems, including their signs and symptoms, behavioral patterns, histopathologic and clinical laboratory characteristics, and rationale for current therapeutic interventions.

Course Objectives

The following course objectives align with the IU School of Medicine MD Curriculum Competencies and Institutional Learning Objectives. This alignment enables faculty and students to understand how current student learning prepares them for the next stage in training and for their ongoing practice and maintenance of certification.

Describe the gross, histologic, and cellular structure of the central and peripheral nervous system.

Describe the anatomic connectivity and physiologic processes underlying the major functional systems (motor, sensory, homeostatic, and higher cortical functions) of the nervous system.

Describe the normal development of the nervous system, structural and clinical manifestations of common congenital anomalies, and the impact of genetic and environmental factors on fetal development and behavior in the pediatric and adult population.

Localize lesions of the peripheral and central nervous system by recognizing patterns of neurologic deficits from the patient history and neurologic exam.

Describe the neurologic and psychiatric symptoms associated with drugs of abuse, the underlying mechanisms of dependence, withdrawal, and addiction, and treatment strategies.

Recognize the clinical presentations of major diseases of the nervous system and describe how the neurologic exam, mental status exam, and common diagnostic tests and procedures are used to develop a differential diagnosis for diseases of the nervous system.

Describe the pharmacological therapies (including drug class, mechanism of action, adverse effects, contraindications, drug-drug interactions, and pharmacokinetics), surgical approaches, and prosthetic devices for the treatment and management of common nervous system disorders.

Describe how sensory, cognitive and environmental factors interact in the experience of neurologic and psychiatric symptoms, and how psychosocial and behavioral interventions can be used to promote health and treat disease.

Demonstrate proficiency in self-directed and life-long learning skills through the gathering, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and communication to peers of new information that the student self-identifies as necessary to understand more completely the causes, effects and treatments of neurological problems.

Behave in a professional manner by demonstrating compassion, honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility, and self-discipline in relationships with all individuals, regardless of gender, age, culture, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, native language or role.

Modify communications demonstrating sensitivity to differences, values, and needs of others, with attention to one’s personal communication style and the context and purpose of the conversation.