COURSE SYLLABUS
BME 7610: The Pathophysiology of Pain
Section No: 85827
Time: 3:30 - 5:00 Tues, Thurs
Room: 2220 Bioengineering Center
Instructor: John Cavanaugh
Office location: Room 2206, Bioengineering Center
Phone number: 313-577-3916
E-mail address: cavanau@rrb.eng.wayne.edu
Web page: http://ttb.eng.wayne.edu for the Bioengineering Center, then click on "John Cavanaugh."
Office Hours: 2:00 - 3:30 Tuesday and Thursday or by appointment
Course objectives: Pain is symptom common to many of the bone, joint and muscle disorders studied in the bioengineering disciplines and is a debilitating sequel to injury and a major focus of rehabilitation. This course will focus on the physiology and anatomy of pain from nerve receptors in peripheral tissue to synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. Pain in the spine, hip, knee and muscle will also be studied. Treatment of pain will also be discussed. The specific objectives of this course are for the student to attain the following:
1. An understanding of the structure and function of nerve cells.
2. An understanding of the overall structure of the nervous system.
3. An overall understanding of the physiology of sensory systems.
4. An understanding of the mechanisms of pain perception (nociception).
5. An understanding of peripheral sensitization and central sensitization.
6. An understanding of the difference between acute and chronic pain.
7. A working knowledge of pain pathways from the body to the brain.
8. A familiarity with the physiology and anatomy of joint and muscle pain.
9. A familiarity with the physiology and anatomy of neck and back pain.
10. A familiarity with the physiology and anatomy of visceral pain.
11. A familiarity with the physiology and anatomy of cutaneous pain.
12. A familiarity with the key psychological aspects of pain.
13. A familiarity with the various types of pharmacological treatments for pain.
14. A familiarity with the treatment of pain using TENS, massage, manipulation and other non-pharmacologic modalities.
15. The ability to synthesize these objectives into an oral and written report addressing a major topic in the pathophysiology of pain.
Course Prerequisites: BME 5010 (Engineering Physiology) or PSL 5550 (Physiologic Anatomy) or approval of instructor.
Student responsibilities:
The student's ability to meet objectives 1-14 will be evaluated as follows:
The percent of the total grade for each evaluation is shown in parentheses.
Objectives 1-6: Closed book examination (25%)
Objectives 7 - 14: Open book examination (35%)
Objective 15: Final report (10% for oral presentation, 30% for the written report)
Required text:
Core Curriculum for Professional Education in Pain
editor Howard Fields
IASP Press, 1995
Material fee requirements:
$15 for handouts that are in addition to the course text.
Grading Policy:
The final grade will be a percentage grade with 100% as the highest and divided as follows: exam #1 (25%), exam #2 (35%), oral presentation (10%) and written report (30%).
The following is the grade range for graduate students:
A 93-100
A- 86-92
B+ 81-85
B 76-80
B- 71-75
C+ 66-70
C 61-65
C- 56-60
F 55 or less
Exam and quiz policies:
The first examination will be closed book. The format of the exam will be multiple
choice and short answer.
The second examination will be open book and open notes. The format of the exam will be short answer and problem solving.
Final report: The final written report is due Tuesday, May 4th. It can be turned in prior to that date. The report will consist of 12-15 pages of text (double spaced) plus tables, figures and references. The report will be on a particular topic of your choice that focuses on an area of pain. The report should go into some depth on a specific area and should not be just a repeat of material covered in the course.
Late work and make-up examination policy: Taking examinations or giving reports other than on the days listed in the attached schedule will only be allowed for exceptional personal reasons. These exceptions must be discussed with the instructor at least two weeks prior to the exam or report date except in the case of unforseen emergencies. An unforseen medical emergency must have written documentation with the physicians signature. Attending a work meeting is not a valid reason for postponing an exam or delaying a report.
Attendance policy: Attendance at lectures is not mandatory for this course but regular attendance can help grades in borderline cases, as in adjusting a high C+ to a B-.
Due Dates for all major assignments: See attached schedule.
Dates of all exams and reports: See attached schedule.
Cheating policy:
There will be no talking between students during any examination or copying material from one exam to another. In the closed book exam, no materials, including computers, calculators or printed materials, are allowed. In the open book exam, all materials are allowed. The consequences of cheating on an examination will be a failing grade for the course.
Each written report must be the work of the students assigned to that report. No two reports can be on an identical topic.
Policy on withdrawal:
Please note that the LAST day to drop a class with a tuition refund is Friday, January 22.
Also note that the College of Engineering DOES NOT ALLOW Withdrawal from courses after the FIFTH week of classes except under exceptional circumstances. FAILING of a class is NOT an acceptable excuse for withdrawal after the 5th week.
Policy on deferred grades:
A grade of 'I' will only be assigned if the student IS NOT currently failing the class and if there is NOT a substantial quantity of work yet to be completed. An 'I' grade MUST be made up within one year of assignment of the grade.