The Neuroanatomy Teaching assistantship involves early third-year students peer teaching neuroanatomy to second-year students as well as studying brain-injured patients at the Riverridge Institute for Neurorehabilitation in Kennebunk, Maine. Students wishing involvement in the program undergo a competitive selection in the winter of their second year. The following summer, at the beginning of their third-year of medicine, each TA is assigned two groups of second-year students. The groups meet approximately 11 times during a 6-week period. The TA is responsible for guiding the group through approximately 30 neurologic cases. In addition, the TA is assigned to a patient at the Riverridge Institute. The assignment involves performing a history and physical exam including an in-depth neurologic exam. The findings are presented in a grand rounds format to the faculty and students at the University of New England and as an in-service to the faculty and staff at Riverridge.

This course introduces students to the foundational principles of neurobiology, focusing on the cellular and molecular basis of neural function. Students will explore the structure and function of neurons, electrical signaling, synaptic communication, and supporting glial cells through integrated lectures, interactive simulations, and hands-on virtual and at-home lab activities. Special emphasis is placed on bioelectric principles, membrane potentials, and neuron-to-neuron communication. This course is ideal for students pursuing majors in health sciences, psychology, biology, or pre-professional tracks and serves as a gateway into more advanced coursework in neuroscience and physiology.