Subject Summary

Pathology is the scientific study of causes and effects of disease, and is one of the foundations of biomedical sciences as well as medical and veterinary practice. It encompasses all aspects of disease, including understanding both the causes and effects as well as the organism's response to disease and causative pathogenic agents. The cause of a disease is often an infectious agent, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi, but defects and deficiencies in normal cellular processes may also cause disease. Knowledge of how an organism responds to disease is important, as disease can result from innate or adaptive responses of the organism to injury or infection. 
 
The overall aim of the Part IB Biology of Disease course is to explore the underlying principles of Pathology and illustrate them using specific examples. This endeavour encompasses a broad range of biological disciplines, including cellular and genetic pathology, immunology, microbiology, parasitology, and virology. The lectures in these topics are closely integrated with practical sessions that take place twice each week. The course is equally suitable for all biological, medical, and veterinary students. 

Programme Specification

This course is taught by the Department of Pathology.

Aims

This course aims to:

1. describe the mechanisms of disease processes and to convey to the student an understanding of the natural history and dynamic nature of disease processes;
2. produce a stimulating and challenging learning environment where teaching is informed by research and encourages the student to develop skills of observation, analysis and deduction;
3. enable students to acquire a knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis of disease, and to progress to the Part II courses in biological sciences.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. demonstrate a knowledge of the nature of the response to injury;
2. demonstrate a knowledge of innate and adaptive immunity, including the process of inflammation;
3. demonstrate a knowledge of how microbial pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites) infect and replicate in their hosts, evade immune defences and cause disease;
4. demonstrate a knowledge of how deregulation of cellular growth and differentiation cause disease;
5. demonstrate a knowledge of the pathobiology of the circulation, including the process of thrombosis and infarction;
6. demonstrate a knowledge of interactions between infectious organisms and their hosts, with particular reference to emerging infections;
7. identify and concisely describe basic pathological processes from the study of microscopic tissue structure;
8. recognize and identify a number of common bacterial species that may be associated with human and animal diseases;
9. demonstrate knowledge of experimental techniques, diagnose and characterise aspects of the immune system and different pathogens.

Teaching and Learning Methods

These include lectures, practical classes, supervisions, and small group teaching.

Assessment

Assessment for this course is through:

• one unseen written examination (for aims 1-3 and learning outcomes 1-6);
• one unseen practical examination (for aims 1-3 and learning outcomes 1-9).

Courses of Preparation

Essential: None.

Recommended: NST Part IA Biology of Cells; NST Part IA Physiology of Organisms.

Additional Information

Further information is available on the Course Websites pages.