The Woman Born Without a Cerebellum: A Real-Life Case Adapted for Use in an Undergraduate Developmental and Systems Neuroscience Course

Abstract

In 2014, the case of a 24-year-old woman who had just discovered she was born without a cerebellum made headlines around the world. The details of this case were combined with other published cases of cerebellar agenesis to create an active learning exercise for an undergraduate developmental and systems neuroscience course. By reading an intriguing narrative and answering questions in stages, students work together to apply and extend their knowledge of brain development and cerebellar function. The case can be used to introduce new information in a "flipped classroom" setting or as an interactive exam review.

Keywords: active learning; brain development; case-based learning; cerebellum; collaborative learning; motor systems.