531-039 Pathology

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject covers the following areas: major concepts of general pathology (including disorders of growth and neoplasia, inflammation and repair, circulatory disturbances); a survey of the special pathology of the major organ systems; and pathology of the connective tissues and the effects of failure in major organ systems.

On completion of this subject, students should:

Comprehend: the terminology of pathology; the principles and essential information regarding the major types of disease processes, their causes, and the responses of cells, tissues, organs and systems in these disease processes; the morphological and functional characteristics of common and important diseases; the molecular basis of pathological processes.

Have developed: observational and organisational skills to identify and interpret the macroscopic appearance of disease processes in exposed structures and cut sections of organs, and the microscopic appearance of disease processes in cells, tissues, organs and systems; communication skills to describe diseases.

Appreciate: the importance of evaluating clinical manifestations of diseases in terms of disturbances of structure and function; the capabilities and limitations of special investigations (including clinical pathology, biochemistry and radiology).

Assessment

First semester: A 1-hour written examination at the end of the semester (30%). Second semester: An essay of up to 3000 words (optional), a 2-hour written examination (40%) and a 2-hour practical examination (30%). Viva Voce examinations may be required.

Prescribed Texts

• Kumar V, Cotran R S and Robbins S L 1992, Basic Pathology. 5th ed. Saunders.
  or
  Rubin E and Farber J L eds. 1995, Essential Pathology. 2nd ed. Lippincott.