Medical Neuroscience

Location:	Sir Charles Tupper Building 5850 College Street Room 13-B1 P.O. Box 15000 Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
Telephone:	(902) 494-2051
Fax:	(902) 494-4859
Website:	medicine.dal.ca/medneurosci

The Department of Medical Neuroscience fosters research and education in neuroscience and human anatomy to advance the understanding and treatment of diseases of the nervous system. The Department is also the home for anatomy at Dalhousie University, teaching gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, embryology and histology to Medical, Dental, and Dental Hygiene students.  Students wishing to take courses leading to a MSc or PhD degree in Medical Neuroscience should consult the calendar of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and the department website: medicine.dal.ca/medneurosci

Course of Study

First-Year Medicine

The Department of Medical Neuroscience provides instruction in anatomy, histology, and embryology during the first year of Medicine. Students are introduced to human gross anatomy and histology during Foundations and study the anatomy of the abdomen and pelvis during the Metabolism I  and Human Development Units, respectively. Students learn basic concepts through case-based tutorials with additional content provided during laboratory sessions, self-direct learning activities and a limited number of lectures.

Second-Year Medicine

The study of anatomy continues in the second year of medicine, beginning with head and neck gross anatomy and neuroanatomy. Later in year two, the anatomy of the thorax and musculoskeletal system is taught as part of the Metabolism II and Msk/Derm Units, respectively.

Dental and Dental Hygiene

First-year Dentistry students are taught gross anatomy and neuroanatomy (DENT 1113.06). The gross anatomy component includes detailed study of the thorax, head and neck and a survey of the abdomen and upper limbs. Lectures, laboratories with dissection, examination of prosections, X-rays, and clinical case presentations are used with special attention given to oral and dental structures. The neuroanatomy component provides a comprehensive overview of the functional morphology of the human nervous system. The gross anatomy of the spinal cord, spinal nerves, brain and cranial nerves are described. This is followed by the study of microscopic anatomy of key regions of the central nervous system. The course includes lectures and laboratory sessions.

Dental Hygiene students are taught basic human anatomy (DEHY 2851.03). DEHY 2851.03 includes instruction in gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, and histology of the human body. An online Virtual Human Cadaver Dissection Laboratory is offered. The course is designed to keep learners engaged through weekely online assignments and a classroom response system. DEHY 2852.03 provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the gross anatomy of the head and neck. Special attention is given to oral and dental structures.

Electives for Medical Students

Clinical Gross Anatomy Review for Residents

These anatomy review sessions are designed to re-familiarize the residents with gross anatomy that is relevant to the area they are specializing in and are essential for their residency training.

The sessions have a strong laboratory focus, using prosections, case studies and quizzes. Clinicians and anatomists take turns to demonstrate an area with various highlights of the gross anatomical structures and their relationships during the surgical procedures.

Graduate Studies

Students wishing to take courses leading to a MSc or PhD degree in Medical Neuroscience should consult the calendar of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and the departmental website: medicine.dal.ca/medneurosci

Courses