Neurology Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

PTHA-2205-001 Neurology

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: BIOL 2402

Course Description

Study of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology as it relates to neurological conditions.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(2 sem hrs; 2 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Essentials of Neuroanatomy for Rehabilitation by Dvorak and Mansfield

Supplies

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Student Performance

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  The study of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology as it relates to commonly encountered neurological conditions.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:  This course is designed to give the student an understanding of both the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and a deeper understanding of the impact of specific diseases/neurological conditions on the nervous system.

A. Goals:  Given the course textbook, personal notes, handouts and other material, the student should:
1.    Have developed a basic understanding of the anatomy of the nervous system
2.    Have developed a basic understanding of the physiology of the nervous system
3.    Have developed an understanding of the pathology of neurological diseases and the impact of these diseaes on therapy.
The student will know these goals have been successfully completed if he or she earns a final grade of "C" or higher as evaluated by the faculty of the department.

B. Competencies:  Given the course textbook, personal notes, handouts and other material, the student should be able to do each of the following on a written examination with an accuracy of
not less than 75% as evaluated by the faculty of the department.

1. Describe the basic structure and function of the nervous system

 

Neurons and Neural Transmission

2. Describe the structure of a neuron, including the cell body, dendrites, and axon.
3. Explain how action potentials are generated and propagated.
4. List five types of glial cells found in the nervous system and state the function of each type.
5. Describe the structure of chemical synapses and explain the steps involved in synapse function.
6. Distinguish between stimulatory/excitatory synapses and inhibitory synapses.
7. Discuss synaptic plasticity and explain how synapses are created, maintained, and removed.
8. Describe how injury/disease affects nerve cells in the peripheral nervous system and in the central nervous system.

 

Central Nervous System

9. Identify each major anatomical region of the brain, and explain its general function.
10. Identify the major functional areas of each lobe of the cerebral cortex and state the role of each region.
11. Identify the areas of the cerebral cortex responsible for movement, somatosensation, hearing, vision, smell and taste, and the reception and production of language.
12. Explain how the prefrontal cortex is involved in thinking, problem solving, and inhibition of impulsive behavior.
13. Describe the effect of injury or disease to each functional region of the cortex.
14. Describe the structure and function of each part of the thalamus and hypothalamus, and explain the effect of a lesion to each region.
15. Describe the structure and function of each portion of the brainstem.
16. Discuss the organization and functions of the reticular formation.
17. Locate major anatomical regions of the spinal cord and explain the general function of each region.
18. Discuss the role of the ascending/sensory tracts, and the functional implications of injury to each tract.
19. Explain the role of the descending/motor tracts in producing movement, and the functional effect of injury to each tract.
20. Classify spinal cord injuries according to their locations and functional effects.
21. Identify the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord, as well as the spaces between them.
22. Locate the four ventricles of the brain and describe the function of cerebrospinal fluid.
23. Describe the major arteries supplying the brain and spinal cord and the major venous sinuses that drain them.
24. Describe effects of lower motor neuron injury on function and muscle tone.
25. Describe effects of upper motor neuron injury on function and muscle tone.
26. List the functions of the cerebellum and discuss the effects of cerebellar injury.
27. Explain how the basal ganglia are involved in movement and how basal ganglia pathologies affect movement, thought, and mood.

 

Peripheral Nervous System

28. Compare and contrast the composition and function of the PNS and CNS.
29. List the function of each cranial nerve and state the consequences of injury to each nerve.
30. Discuss the structure and function of peripheral nerves.
31. Explain how peripheral nerves can be damaged by injury or disease and discuss the healing process.
32. Describe the structure, function, and location of somatosensory receptors and sensory nerve fibers.
33. List major spinal cord pathways that convey somatosensation to the brain.
34. Discuss how the brain uses and interprets somatosensory information.

 

Autonomic Nervous System, Special Senses, Memory, Cognition, and Emotion

35. Describe the composition and function of the ANS.
36. Discuss control of the autonomic nervous system and the functional consequences that result from disruption of this control.
37. Compare and contrast the composition and function of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
38. List components of autonomic reflexes.
39. Describe the sensory receptors and pathways responsible for vision, hearing, and balance.
40. Explain common clinical conditions involving the visual, auditory, and vestibular systems.
41. Discuss the structure and function of the neural systems for smell and taste and list several clinical conditions involving these systems.

 

Motor Control & Motor Learning

42. Define motor control and explain implications of various theories of motor control on physical therapy treatments.
43. Define motor learning and explain implications of various theories of motor learning on physical therapy treatments.
44. Identify barriers to motor learning, motor control, and motor development.
45. Explain the effects of alterations in muscle tone on motor control, motor learning, and motor development
46. Discuss interventions to enhance motor control and motor learning/motor function training.
47. Define righting reactions and equilibrium reactions.
48. Identify examples of righting and equilibrium reactions.

 

Motor Development

49. Define motor development and explain implications of various theories of motor development on physical therapy treatments.
50. Describe how the nervous system develops, both before and after birth
51. List changes that occur in the nervous system due to aging.
52. Describe normal gross motor development of infants, toddlers, children, and adults.
53. Sequence normal gross motor milestones by age of achievement.
54. List fine motor milestones in normal child development.
55. List general ages when selected fine motor milestones are reached.

 

 

Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation

56. Describe the major mechanisms behind neural plasticity and functional recovery.
57. Explain how exercise and mental stimulation affect neural plasticity and functional recovery.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

\ ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Students demonstrating academic dishonesty as defined in the “Student Rights and Responsibilities” handout will receive a grade of “F” in the course and will be subject to all PTA program policies regarding course failure.

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\ STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE: A student who has a problem with the course or course instructor should make every attempt to resolve the problem with the course instructor.  If that is not successful, the student may appeal the decision of the instructor to the program director, chairman of the Allied Health division, dean of instruction, and the president – IN THAT ORDER.

Grading Criteria

GRADING

           Graphic Representation  - 10%

           Neurology Project          - 10%

           Tests (3)                        - 45%

           Final                             - 35%

GRADING SCALE
            A = l00-92.5
            B =  92.4-83.5
            C =  83.4-74.5
            F =  74.4-0

Note:  A grade of C or better is required to complete the PTA major.

 

Missed tests can be made up after arranging a time with the instructor that is mutually convenient. All make-up test will have five (5) points automatically subtracted from the total score of each test.

Attendance

\ Attendance for this course is mandatory.  For each absence, five points will be deducted from the student's final course grade.  Unexcused breaks, late arrivals, and early departures from the lectures will be counted as absences.

Calendar

Additional Information

LAST DATE TO DROP/WITHDRAW:  July 17, 2015

SAFETY PROCEDURES: In case of an emergency, the student needs to call the Safety and Security department at 9-371-5163.  In an emergency situation, use the nearest phone that is available.  The student should also know in case of a medical emergency, the following procedure should be performed and in the order written:

1. call 9-911 for an ambulance
2. call safety and security