Neurosciences I Study Guide for MBBS
Neurosciences I Study Guide for MBBS
NEUROSCIENCES - I MODULE
DISCLAIMER
This study guide is subjected to the change and modification over the whole academic
year.
It is to declare that the learning objectives (general and specific) and the distribution of
assessment tools (both theory and practical) are obtained from university of health
sciences. These can be obtained from: [Link]
The time tables are for guiding purpose. It is to advise that final timetables are always
displayed over the notice boards of each lecture hall.
Table of Contents
S No Content Page No
1. Module Committee 4
2. Introduction to Study Guide 5
3. Integrated Curriculum 5
4. Marks Distribution 6
5. Table of Specification 6
6. Organization of Module 7
7. Integrated Disciplines in Module 8
8. Module Outcomes 9
9. Themes 10
10. Specific Learning Objectives 11
11. Assessment tools 22
12. Professional Examination 23
Criteria
13. Resources 24
NEUROSCIENCES - I MODULE
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Module Committee
Module Team
Professor & HOD
5. Prof. Dr. Humaira Block Coordinator
Physiology
Senior Lecturer
15. Dr. G. M. Uttra Member
Community Medicine
Asst. Prof. Psychiatry
16. Dr. Maj. (Rt) Amin Member
(Behavioral Science)
SR Surgery
17. Dr. Madiha Shahid Member
(In charge Skill Lab)
NEUROSCIENCES - I MODULE
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Module Outcomes:
Provides a list of learning resources such as books, computer-assisted learning programs,
web links, and journals, for students to consult in order to maximize their learning.
Highlights information on the contribution of continuous on the student’s overall performance.
Includes information on the assessment methods that will be held to determine every
student’s performance.
Achievement of Objectives:
- Focuses on information pertaining to examination policy, rules and regulations.
Integrated Curriculum:
An integrated curriculum is all about making connections, whether to real life or across the
disciplines, about skills or about knowledge. An integrated curriculum fuses subject areas,
experiences, and real-life knowledge together to make a more fulfilling and tangible learning
environment for students. Integrated teaching means that subjects are presented as a meaningful
whole. Students will be able to have better understanding of basic sciences when they repeatedly
learn in relation to clinical examples. Case based discussions, computer-based assignments, early
exposure to clinics, wards, and skills acquisition in skills lab are characteristics of integrated teaching
program.
NEUROSCIENCES - I MODULE
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Marks Distribution
BLOCK VI
Neurosciences – I & Inflammation Module
OSPE
56 Marks
Part I - MCQs 85 Marks
OSCE 16 Marks
Table of Specification
Marks
MCQ
SEQ
Theme Subject
Structure
OSPE (08
OSCE (10
(16 Marks
d OSVE
Marks
Marks
Marks
each)
each)
each)
Anatomy &
Normal Structure 24 3 39 3 - 1 40
Applied / Clinical
Physiology &
26 3 41 3 - 1 40
Applied / Clinical
Normal Function
Biochemistry &
09 1 14 1 - 1 24
Applied / Clinical
Community
Medicine Public 04 - 04 - - - -
Disease Burden &
Health
Prevention
Behavioral 03 - 03 - - - -
Sciences
Pathology 12 - 12 - - - -
Pathophysiology &
Pharmaco-
therapeutics Pharmacology 07 - 07 - - - -
Organization of Module
INTRODUCTION
The second year MBBS students will have a detailed understanding of the anatomy, physiology,
and clinical aspects of the human brain and spinal cord. The neurosciences module is crucial as
understanding the brain and nervous system is essential for diagnosing and treating a wide range
of neurological and psychiatric conditions. This includes conditions such as Alzheimer's disease,
Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, migraines, traumatic brain injuries, depression, schizophrenia, and
autism. By studying neurosciences, medical students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary
to accurately diagnose and effectively treat these conditions.
The following teaching / learning methods are used to promote better understanding:
1. Interactive Lectures
2. Hospital / Clinic visits
3. Small Group Discussion
4. Practical
5. Skills session in skill labs
6. Case-Based Learning (tutorials)
7. Directed Self-Learning
Interactive lectures:
An interactive lecture is an easy way for instructors to intellectually engage and involve students
as active participants in a lecture - based class of any size.
Skills session:
Skills relevant to respective module are observed and practiced where applicable in skills
laboratory or Laboratories of various departments.
A small group discussion format where learning is focused on a series of questions based on
a clinical scenario. Students discuss and answer the questions by applying relevant knowledge
gained previously in clinical and basic health sciences during the module and construct new
knowledge. The CBD will be provided by the concerned department. It is an active learning &
teaching strategy which promotes application of foundational knowledge in relevant clinical
NEUROSCIENCES – I MODULE Page |8
scenarios.
Module Outcomes
By the end of Neurosciences -1 module, students of 2nd year MBBS will be able to
S. No Theme Duration
4. Cerebellum 1 week
5. Cerebrum 1 week
6. Diencephalon 1 week
ANATOMY
GROSS ANATOMY
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
Describe the basic organization of LGIS C1 MCQs, SEQs,
Nervous system nervous system OSVE, OSPE
Identify and describe the components of C1
the Nervous system and their function
Trace the origin, exit from vertebral canal, SGD C2
branches & distribution of typical spinal (Dissection
Spinal Nerves
nerve. Hall &
Museum)
Identify the location, extent, coverings LGIS C2 / P2 MCQs, SEQs,
and blood supply of spinal cord on model. OSVE, OSPE
Discuss in a tabulated form nuclear SGD C2
organization at different levels of spinal (Dissection
cord. Hall &
Describe the transverse section of spinal Museum) C2
cord at mid cervical level showing
Spinal Cord & ascending & descending tracts.
Clinical Tabulate the sensory nerve endings, and LGIS C2
Correlates anatomical sites of first, second, third
order neurons of ascending tracts.
Tabulate first, second, third order neurons LGIS C2
of descending tracts.
Elaborate on the cross-sectional details of C2
white and gray matter of cervical, thoracic SGD
and lumbar segments of spinal cord for
localization of site of lesion.
Differentiate clearly between upper and SGD C2 MCQs, SEQs,
lower motor neuron lesions. (Dissection OSVE, OSPE
Describe the external features of medulla, Hall & C2
pons midbrain along with their location, Museum)
relations and blood supply.
Explain the cross-sectional details of C2
Brain Stem
white and grey matter of brain stem (mid
brain, pons, medulla).
Correlate clinically anatomical C3
abnormalities in Medial and lateral
medullary syndrome, Weber syndrome, LGIS
Benedikt syndrome
Explain location, relations, functional SGD C2 MCQs, SEQs,
classification & blood supply along with (Dissection OSVE, OSPE
major connections of cerebellum. Hall &
(cerebellar peduncles) Museum)
Cerebellum Describe internal structure of cerebellum. C2
LGIS
Describe important clinical correlates. C2
Clinically correlate features of cerebellar C3
syndrome with anatomical locations.
Cerebrum Identify the lobes, sulci & gyri, cortical SGD C2 MCQs, SEQs,
areas of cerebrum. (Dissection OSVE, OSPE
NEUROSCIENCES – I MODULE P a g e | 12
PHYSIOLOGY
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
Describe the general organization of LGIS / C1 MCQs, SEQs,
nervous system. SGD OSVE, OSPE
Classify synapses. C1
Explain physiological anatomy of C1
synapses.
Describe the properties of synaptic C2
Organization of
transmission.
nervous system
Classify the substances that act as LGIS C2
neurotransmitters.
Classify all sensory receptors in the body. C2
Enumerate the properties of receptors. C2
Explain the mechanism of adaptation of
receptors.
Enlist the rapid adapting mechanism of SGD C2 MCQs, SEQs,
receptors. OSVE
Explain the properties of receptors. C2
Explain the general classification of nerve C2
Neurons & fibers.
synapses and
nerve fibers Explain the numerical classification of LGIS C2
nerve fibers. MCQs, SEQs,
Explain Gasser classification of nerve C2 OSVE
fibers.
Explain summation and its types. C2
Describe the sensory areas of brain. C1
Enlist Brodmann number of sensory LGIS C2
Sensory areas of
areas.
brain
Describe the effects produced by damage C2
to each sensory area of brain
Describe the pathophysiology and C2 MCQs, SEQs,
features of personal neglect syndrome. OSVE
Classify somatic sensations. C2
Somatic
Sensations Explain somatic sensations. C2
Ascending Enumerate the ascending tracts / C1
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Tracts Pathways
Name the sensations carried by dorsal C2
column medial leminiscus system
(DCMLS).
Trace the pathway of DCMLS C2
Classify pain. LGIS C1 MCQs, SEQs,
OSVE
Differentiate between slow pain and fast C2
pain.
Pain Describe the analgesia system in brain C2
and spinal cord.
Describe the cause and features of Brown C1
Sequard Syndrome.
Spinal Cord Describe the physiological anatomy of SGD C2
spinal cord
Name the anterior motor neurons and C1
their location.
Explain the Renshaw cells feedback. LGIS / C1 MCQs, SEQs,
SGD OSVE, OSPE
Classify the spinal cord reflexes C1
according to number of synapses.
Muscle spindle
Describe the structure & functions of C1
& stretch reflex
Muscle spindle.
Trace the reflex arc of stretch reflex. C2
Discuss the clinical significance of stretch C2
reflex.
Define tone. C1
Discuss how it is maintained C2
Tone Trace the reflex arc of golgi tendon organ, C2
golgi tendon reflex
Explain the importance of Golgi tendon C2
reflex
Name the motor areas of brain. LGIS / C2 MCQs, SEQs,
SGD OSVE
Enlist Brodmann number of motor areas C2
Motor Areas of
of brain.
Brain
Explain the features produced due to
damage to the motor areas.
Name the motor areas of brain. C1
BIOCHEMISTRY
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
Explain the digestion and absorption of LGIS C2 MCQs, SEQs,
Digestion and
lipids with enzymes involved in it. OSVE
Absorption of
Discuss role of bile acids and salts in C2
Lipids
lipid digestion and absorption
Explain the concept of lipid transport LGIS C2
Lipid Transport
and storage.
Discuss the reactions of beta-oxidation, LGIS C2 MCQs, SEQs,
alpha and omega oxidation of OSVE
Sphingolipids unsaturated and saturated fatty acids.
Calculate energy yield from palmitate in C2
oxidation.
Carnitine Shuttle Discuss role of carnitine shuttle. LGIS C2
Discuss the role of citrate shuttle in fatty LGIS C2
Citrate Shuttle
acid synthesis.
Explain the pathway of fatty acid LGIS C2 MCQs, SEQs,
Fatty Acid synthesis and its regulation. OSVE
Synthesis Explain the steps of the reactions of C2
hepatic ketogenesis and regulation.
Describe utilization of ketone bodies by LGIS C2 MCQs, SEQs,
extrahepatic tissue. OSVE
Metabolism of
Describe the Synthesis and degradation C2
Sphgino &
of phospholipids and sphingolipids.
Phospholipids
Interpret the disorders related to C3
enzyme deficiencies.
Discuss the metabolism of glycolipids LGIS C2 MCQs, SEQs,
Glycolipid
interpret the disorders related to OSVE
Metabolism
enzyme deficiencies.
Explain fast feed cycle with reference to LGIS C2 MCQs, SEQs,
pathways activated and suppressed in OSVE
Fast feed cycle each tissue in starved and fed state.
Discuss integration of metabolism. C3
NEUROSCIENCES – I MODULE P a g e | 19
PRACTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
Data Interpret the lysosomal storage Lab C4 OSPE
Interpretation diseases on given data Neiman pick
disease, Gaucher’s disease etc.
Triglyceride Perform the estimation of triglycerides C2 / P
Estimation by kit method.
COMMUNITY MEDICINE
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
Community Identify general approach to prevent LGIS C2 MCQs
Based mental illnesses at community level.
Interventions
Describe the depth of problem in LGIS C2
Epidemiology
context of mental illnesses.
BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
Explain the theoretical basis of classic LGIS C2 MCQs
conditioning, operant conditioning and
observational learning with examples
Learning &
in medical practice
Behavior
Discuss strategies to incorporate C2
learning principles to help prepare
people for medical interventions
Outline the structure of memory. LGIS C1
Explain the distinction between short- C2
Memory and long-term memory.
Describe memory improvement C2
techniques .
NEUROSCIENCES – I MODULE P a g e | 20
PHARMACOLOGY
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
Classify various opioid receptors. LGIS C2 MCQs
Learning & Describe Mechanism of Action C2
Opioids (MOA), pharmacological actions,
Agonists & clinical uses and adverse effects of
Antagonists opioid agonist, mixed agonist -
antagonist and antagonist.
Classify various CNS stimulants and LGIS C2
depressants.
CNS Stimulants Describe MOA, pharmacological C2
& Depressants actions, clinical uses and adverse
effects of CNS stimulant and
depressants.
MEDICINE
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
Identify various types of CVA LGIS C2 MCQs
(cerebrovascular accident).
CVA Describe various symptoms and signs. C2
Outline management strategies C1
Define Epilepsy. LGIS C1
Enlist various types of epilepsy. C1
Epilepsy
Identify various symptoms and signs C2
Outline management strategies C1
Enlist various types of meningitis. LGIS C1 MCQs
PEDIATRICS
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
Describe the clinical features of LGIS C2 -
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy.
NEUROSCIENCES – I MODULE P a g e | 21
PATHOLOGY
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
Define cerebral vascular accident LGIS C1 MCQs
(CVA).
CVA Discuss the etiology and C2
morphological changes of
Cerebrovascular accidents
Define Meningitis. LGIS C1
Meningitis
Classify types of meningitis. C2
NEUROSURGERY
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
Surgical Discuss the role of surgery in stroke. LGIS C2 MCQs
Management of
Stroke
Categorize the various types of LGIS C2
Hematomas
hematomas.
Trauma Discuss triage in emergency room. LGIS C2
Time Tables:
The timetables for the module will be shared via WhatsApp groups and the notice boards in advance.
Assessment Tools
Multiple choice questions (MCQ/SEQs) are a form of assessment for which students are asked to
select the best choice from a list of answers.
MCQ/SEQ consists of a stem and a set of options. The stem is usually the first part of the
assessment that presents the question as a problem to be solved; the question can be an incomplete
statement which requires to be completed and can include a graph, a picture or any other relevant
information. The options are the possible answers that the student can choose from, with the correct
answer called the key and the incorrect answers called distractors.
Correct answer carries one mark, and incorrect ‘zero mark’. There is NO negative marking.
Students mark their responses on specified computer-based sheet designed for the college.
The block exam will comprise of 85 MCQ/ 7 SEQs each of 5 marks and will be compiled according
to the shared blueprint.
Internal Evaluation:
Internal evaluation is a process of quality review undertaken within an institution for its own ends.
Internal evaluation criteria will be shared with faculty and 10 % on internal assessment will be
observed in each module.
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Attendance Requirement:
A minimum of 85% attendance is mandatory to sit for the examinations.
Professional Examination:
Criteria for appearing in Professional examination are according to rules and regulations shared by
UHS which are available on their website. The criteria is;
At least 85 % cumulative attendance in all blocks.
An average 50 % minimum score in all blocks
Certificate of good conduct from college
Certificate of having appeared in all block exams conducted by the college
NEUROSCIENCES - I MODULE P a g e | 24
Physiology
Guyton and Hall physiology (14th Ed)
Essentials of Medical Physiology by Mushtaq Ahmed
Biochemistry
Harpers Illustrated Biochemistry (32nd Ed)
Lippincott’s Biochemistry
Essentials of Medical Biochemistry vol 1&2 by Mushtaq Ahmed.
Community Medicine:
Parks Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine. K. Park (Editor)
Pathology:
Vinary Kumar, Abdul K. Abbas and Nelson Fausto Robbins and Cotran, Pathologic basis of
disease. WB Saunders.
Pharmacology:
Basic and Clinical Pharmacology by Katzung, McGraw-Hill.
Behavioral Sciences:
Handbook of Behavioral Sciences by Prof. Mowaddat [Link], 3rd Edition
Apart from these resource learning, students can consult books available in library or recommended
by the specialty experts.