B8398 - Basic Principles of Semiology of the Neuromuscular and Nervous Systems

Conoscenze e abilità da conseguire

By the end of the course, the student gains the knowledge, skills and competencies to understand the relationship between normal and abnormal functions of the musculoskeletal and nervous system. In particular, the student: knows the normal aspects of clinical relevance relating to the neuromuscular and nervous systems; knows the technical and scientific language and the ability to communicate the information acquired correctly; is able to recognise normal aspects of clinical relevance relating to the neuromuscular and nervous systems; is able to use technical and scientific language and to demonstrate the ability to communicate the information acquired correctly.

Contenuti

This Course is part of the Integrated Course "Movement, Skin, and Nervous System".

The Integrated Course aims to provide the student with adequate knowledge of the anatomical organization, functioning, and biochemical mechanisms underlying the metabolism of the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system, and the skin and its appendages, essential for recognizing the normal aspects of clinical relevance in veterinary species. Additionally, the student gains expertise in topographical anatomy and imaging techniques applicable to these systems, including their relevance to kinetics and kinematics.

The Integrated Course "Movement, Skin, and Nervous System" contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.1, 1.5, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 1.17, 1.21, 1.24.

Specific Course contents:

Prerequisites: knowledge of the normal anatomy and physiology of the locomotor and nervous system.

The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the aspects of clinical relevance of the nervous system. This covers the assessment of:
- mental status and behaviour;
- posture and gait.
- postural reactions and spinal reflexes;
- cranial nerves.

Testi/Bibliografia

The teaching material consists of the suggested textbooks (see below) and of the material available on the specific course website.

DE LAHUNTA-GLASS-KENT De Lahunta's veterinary neuroanatomy and clinical neurology 5° ed., Elsevier, (2021)

Metodi didattici

The course is made up of academic (face-to-face) and interactive lessons in small groups, aimed to promote the interaction between the teacher and students. The teaching method includes and encourages work in small groups with a supervisor and the presentation and discussion of the results obtained.

Active learning is encouraged wherever possible. To encourage this, 'Kahoot' software is sometimes used to ask the audience multiple-choice questions.

Academic lectures are designed to explain the main points of clinical interest of the nervous system as outlined in the course content.

Practical lessons consist of interactive sessions in working groups or hands-on activities.

The interactive sessions consist of group work according to the 'problem-oriented approach' (POA) methodology. Peer-to-peer autonomous activity is also part of these sessions.

The hands-on activities aim to provide students with the basic skills needed to examine normal animals and recognise the main changes.

Modalità di verifica e valutazione dell'apprendimento

The final exam of the Integrated Course "Movement, Skin, and Nervous System" consists of two parts.

• The first part is a written test comprising 60 multiple choice questions, covering topics from all components of the Integrated Course, and is designed to assess the student's comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter.

  Each correct question will earn 0.5 points; no points will be subtracted in case of wrong answer or unanswered question. The use of supporting material or devices such as calculators, books, notebooks, class notes, etc. is not authorized during the test. If needed, a follow-up discussion will allow the Candidate to comment on the wrong answers.

  The test assignment will last 1.5h and will be considered as successful with a minimum grade of 18/30.

• The second part is a practical examination held in the Clinical Skills Lab or at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, including the execution of manual procedures of the physical examination and the description and interpretation of images or videos related to the different imaging techniques, allowing the evaluation of the acquisition of practical and verbal competences. To pass the practical examination, the student must demonstrate sufficient competences, obtaining a minimum grade of 18/30.

The final grade for the Integrated Course is calculated as the weighted average of the written test (60%) and the practical assessment (40%). Students can register for the exam through the online AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). In case of failure, the exam may be retaken after a minimum of three weeks. In accordance with Unibo teaching regulations, Article 16, Paragraph 5, students are entitled to refuse a passing grade on one occasion.

In compliance with Law 104/1992 and Law 170/2010, and in alignment with institutional inclusion policies, students with certified disabilities or specific learning disorders—as well as those with recognized special educational needs—will receive appropriate accommodations during assessments. Such students should promptly contact the course instructor and inform the University’s Disability and SLD Support Service [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en] . A faculty member is appointed to oversee this service within the Department [https://scienzemedicheveterinarie.unibo.it/it/dipartimento/organizzazione/referenti-istituzionali] .

Strumenti a supporto della didattica

The course uses videos and pictures to show how the nervous system normally functions and the main changes that can occur. PowerPoint presentations are used during classes and, to encourage active student participation, the Kahoot platform may be used.

Teaching materials are available on the virtual platform and can be accessed via the link on the teacher's webpage.

Orario di ricevimento

Consulta il sito web di Gualtiero Gandini