Theoretical Neurology

Title (credit weighting)

Theoretical Neurology (30 credits)

Summary

The module is concerned with the explanation and application of clinical theory underpinning the modules 1) Diseases of the Nervous System: Epilepsy, Pain, Tumours and Infection, 2) Peripheral Nerve, Muscle and Special Senses, 3) Motor Systems and Disease, 4) Higher Functions of the Brain. It covers the cellular and molecular mechanism of disease including the genetics of CNS disorders, brain metabolism and neurodegeneration, autoimmune disease and repair mechanisms and hearing balance and eye movements. 

Aims

The aim of the module is for students to acquire, and apply the knowledge gained to their study of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of disease, to the study and treatment of neurological conditions. 

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module the students will have gained an understanding of the principles of neurogenetics and the genetics of neurological disease, mitochondrial genetics, the biology, genetics and pathology of tumours. They will have an understanding of aspects of brain metabolism, neurotransmission and neurodegeneration, including metabolic disorders, Motor Neurone Disease and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease.

Autoimmune Disease and Repair Mechanisms including parainfectious and paraneoplastic disorders will also have been studied, and an understanding will be expected of hearing, balance and eye movements, including clinical disorders of hearing, visual pathway lesions and eye movement disorders. 

Assessment criteria

MCQ (Multiple Choice Questionnaire in a SBA (Single Best Answer) format)

Requirements: Medical qualifications (graduate medical degree), at least 2 years postgraduate experience in clinical medicine, registration with the GMC (or equivalent national authority for overseas students), and at least 6 months previous clinical experience in clinical neurology.

The UCL Institute of Neurology promotes teaching and research of the highest quality in neurology and the neurosciences. The Institute of Neurology and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery are members of  UCL Partners, Europe's largest academic health science partnership.