Brain
Introduction to Neurology
Syllabus
  PSYCH 3104/5104
9:00 MWF Sabin 25
Dr. Linda L. Walsh
synapse

Spring, 2016

PROFESSOR: Dr. Linda L. Walsh

Office: Bartlett 1075
Office Hrs:12:30-1:30 MW; 10:30-11:30 T,Th;
other times by appointment; drop-bys are welcome.
Mailbox: Bartlett 1068

Phone: 273-2690          Email: walsh@uni.edu
Interactive Class Schedule & Reading Assignments

"How much of this stuff will be on the exam?"

Yes, this course has a lot of assigned links, which have a lot of links, which have a lot of links . . .
Relax, many of these links are images or brief examples to help you learn class material. Only a portion of them are "readings". Many of the web links I will actually use as part of lecture. Exam questions will cover only material in the text and studyguide, in lectures, and the first level of linked pages unless I specifically tell you to "click on" additional items on those pages. Feel free to go beyond what's assigned however - that's often how you'll find what in neurology is most personally meaningful or useful to you. What you find will reinforce the textbook and lectures, and so it will also help you to do better on the exams. The more ways that you interact with the vocabulary, concepts and findings we will be discussing, the better your memory and understanding of the material will be.

Resources for Neuroscience, Neurological and Neuropsychological Terms:
Neuroscience for Kids - Glossary                      NINDS Neurological Disorder Index          Search your disorder on Emedicine
 Etymology of Neuroscience Terms                    Online Guide to the Neurological Exam
Clinical Neuropsychology Reference                  Neurologic Exam Videos
Glossary of Neuropsychology Terms                 Online Neuroscience Textbook
General Neuroanatomy Resources
The digital anatomist A very comprehensive site featuring pictures and 3 dimensional reconstruction of the human brain. On-line quiz on each image. (slow and shaky connection).
The whole brain atlas: A comprehensive atlas of 2 dimensional scans of the human brain using techniques such as CT or MRI, including normal anatomy and pathology.
Virtual Hospital:The Human Brain - Human brain dissections from the University of Iowa
The W.U.S.M. Neuroscience Tutorial - from Washington University School of Medicine 

Requirements: 

Basic Anatomy Homework (25 pts) Due Jan 20) Since the students in this class come from diverse backgrounds, this first set of assignments is to make sure everyone begins with a basic understanding of CNS anatomy/vocabulary such as one might get in a good Intro to Psych text. To that end, the Introductory Reading linked to the syllabus IS from an Intro to Psych text. That reading plus the webpages ("Explore and Learn the information in the first 5 topics under "Brain Basics"  ) and completing the associated anatomy handout should give you this basic foundation. It is also important for you to become familiar with these components in basic diagrams of the brain and the major "chunks" or subdivisions of the CNS. To this end please prepare a simple 3-D brain model (Basic Anatomy Diagram).  Color the various brain regions on the "Build a Brain" handout so that, when put together, it will be a more vivid brain model. If a particular structure shows up on more than one page (e.g. the thalamus), use the same color for that structure on all pages.
Notice that in the handout assignment you are also asked to begin to associate each structure with it best known function(s) and what subdivision it is found in. These best known functions are mentioned in the reading and/or the assigned webpages.
As an example I will give you 2 answers that don't appear in your reading:
fornix - (which is part of the limbic system connecting to hippocampus) telencephalon - emotion and memory  (you only have to do this once for each structure)
internal capsule (IC)(big axon bundle carrying messages between cortex and lower brain areas) - telencephalon - sensory messages coming to cortex, motor commands leaving cortex  
In case you can't decode my abbreviations in the brain diagram:
BG=basal ganglia, cer=cerebellum, mid=midbrain, hyp=hypothalamus, pg=pituitary gland
I also encourage you to practice recognizing and labeling components (see links next to 1/11/16 in our syllabus) .

Label Ventricular System  Due 1/25 5pts

Neuron Structure Quiz* 10 pts Due 2/1 (label the structures covered in lecture or text)

Label Spinal Cord Cross Section 15 pts 2/13

Demonstrate Your Ability to Read and Write About Neurology in an "Undergraduate Neurology Update"
For this assignment you will find, read and summarize a recent (2010 to present) research report that advances our understanding of some human neurological/neuropsychological condition of interest to you.  Have they found something new about the causes, the diagnosis, the underlying nervous system pathology, or the treatment of this condition?  Begin by finding 3 research reports you might possibly write about and submit the abstracts or full articles to me by no later than 3/11.(15 pt) . I will check the research reports for appropriateness. You will then choose ONE of the approved articles to summarize. Submit your completed summary of the research report and what you conclude from it by 4/18. The introduction to your paper should provide background on or our previous understanding of the condition before you discuss the new research. Since you are demonstrating YOUR neurology abilities, DON'T PLAGIARIZE. Attach your article to your paper.(85 more pts)

Demonstrate Your Ability to Read and Write About Neurology in a "Graduate Neurology Update"
For this assignment you will find, read and summarize 5 related recent (2010 to present)  research reports that advance our understanding of some human neurological/neuropsychological condition of interest to you.  Have they found something new about the causes, the diagnosis, the underlying nervous system pathology, or the treatment of this condition?  Submit the 3 abstracts or full articles to me by no later than 3/11 to show that you have selected a topic and begun your update (15 pt). Submit your completed review/summary of 5 related articles and what you conclude from them by 4/18. The introduction to your review should provide background or previous understanding of the condition before you discuss the new research. Since you are demonstrating YOUR neurology abilities, DON'T PLAGIARIZE. Attach your articles to your paper.(110 more pts)

Optional Assignments
Optional assignments are additional assignments to be factored in your grade just like required assignments. Doing extra assignments decreases the proportion of your semester grade based on tests and increases the proportion based on assignments. Doing optional assignments increases the "points possible"  as well as the "points earned" in the calculation of your grade (that is, these are not freebie extra credit points).

Create a  Brain Area, Pathway or System Model (up to 30 pts; minimum 15 anatomical regions labeled)
During the semester we cover specific brain regions and several pathways or interconnected systems. Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to create a good visual model that you think could help the class learn the underlying anatomy. Your model must be well labeled. contain significant anatomical detail (this is meant to help you learn required anatomy) and must be turned in while we are covering that pathway or system. Points earned will reflect the amount of detail, the accuracy, and the value as an educational tool.  You are encouraged to use color coding and identifiable neuroanatomical landmarks, and to mount or present your model in a sturdy fashion that could be passed around class. Suggestions: detailed model of the brain stem external features, the midline surface of the brain, detailed functional subareas of the cortex, spinal cord and nerves in cross-section, coronal or horizontal section of the brain, the routes followed by the spinothalamic pathway, the dorsal column pathway, or the corticospinal pathway. May be done once.

10 pt Extra Credit. Keep a blank videotape handy to record any shows, segments, or news reports related to the neuroanatomy/neurology covered in this class or locate a recent relevant video link online. Turn the tape/url in to me with a summary of the program, why you think it's relevant to the class, and a critical evaluation of the segment using the linked handout.(tape will be returned). May be done once.

Grading

Grades will be based on the total number of points accumulated during the semester.**Completion of optional assignments changes the points possible for the semester. You must have a passing average on the tests to pass the course.

  • Your final course grade will be assigned according to this scale:
    • Grade
    Percent
    Grade 
    Percent 
    Grade
    Percent
    A
    93.0-100.0% 
    B-
    80.0 - 82.9% 
    D+
    67.0 - 69.9% 
    A-
    90.0 - 92.9% 
    C+
    77.0 - 79.9% 
    D
    63.0 - 66.9% 
    B+
    87.0 - 89.9% 
    C
    73.0 - 76.9% 
    D-
    60.0 - 62.9% 
    B
    83.0 - 86.9% 
    C-
    70.0 - 72.9% 
    F
    0.0 - 59.9% 
    About Your Prof
    Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
    Education: B.S. (Psychology) University of Illinois, Chicago; M.A. (Biopsychology) University of Chicago; Ph.D. (Biopsychology) University of Chicago
    Married:  James Walsh (attorney)
    Children:  3 girls (Jennifer, Sara, & Annie)
    Hobbies:  Gardening, gourmet cooking, travel, reading
    Most unusual experiences: Performing brain surgery on rats, riding an elephant (twice!), wearing a live python around my neck, climbing the Great Pyramid, flying in a blimp, visiting ancient Greek ruins, giving birth
    Goals: Continue to learn for the rest of my life, enjoy my professional and private lives, help others discover psychology (especially biopsychology)
    Highlights of 2013      Meet My Family
     
    "Gentlemen, look on this wonder! 
    Whatever the bids of the bidders, 
    They cannot be high enough for it; 
    For it the globe lay preparing quintillions
    of years, without one animal or plant; 
    For it the revolving cycles truly and steadily roll'd.
    In this head the all-baffling brain; 
    In it and below it, the makings of heroes." 
          - Walt Whitman -  I Sing the Body Electric, 1855

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    This page was updated on 1/8/16 by Linda Walsh