Mind, Brain and Behavior

PWY 140 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

This comprehensive, multidisciplinary course covers a vast array of subjects, from the fundamentals of neuroscience, neuroanatomy, and neurophysiology to the clinical facets of neurological diseases, diagnostics, and psychopathology. Central to the course content are clinical vignettes that spotlight principles of localizing neurological issues and foster analytical thinking. These vignettes are supported by the inclusion of neuropathology and neuroimaging studies.  Students also have the chance to learn neuroanatomy with cadaveric brain specimens.  
Students are encouraged to apply elementary neuroscience and anatomy concepts to real-world clinical scenarios. Beyond neuroanatomy, the course explores various categories of neurological diseases, such as stroke and cerebrovascular disease, movement disorders, seizures, and epilepsy, neuroimmunology and multiple sclerosis, peripheral nervous system disorders, dementia, neuro-muscular junction disorders and neuro-oncology. There is also an introduction to pediatric development. 
The course also addresses psychiatric illnesses and symptoms domains, including mood, psychosis, anxiety and traumatic stress, substance use, and personality disorders. It underscores a patient-centric teaching approach that highlights individual illness experiences and the biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to dysfunction and disability. Psychiatric clinical skills teachings are also enriched with site visits. During these visits, students can practice psychiatric interviewing under the guidance of faculty at various HMS-affiliated clinical sites. 
Course Manager: Shannon Reilly.