Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

It is essential that students studying medical and biomedical science have a substantive knowledge and skill set pertaining to pathology. Pathology is the study of disease processes from the cellular level to that of the whole organism and covers topics that include carcinogenesis, ageing and inflammation. This is a third Semester unit planned for the developmental phase of your learning which builds on the introductory phase units LSB250 and LSB255, which are designed to provide you with the core knowledge needed for your discipline specific studies. Understanding general and systematic pathology is therefore essential for the application of basic biomedical knowledge to clinically relevant states and major diseases that you will study in later clinical units of this course.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to introduce you to the study of disease processes underlying the major diseases of human organ systems. The first part of the unit will introduce you to aspects of general pathology including cell adaptation, inflammation, immune disorders, infectious diseases and cancer. Systemic pathology will be covered in the second part of the unit during which the general pathologic processes will be applied to the major organ systems of the body. In addition, you will expand and further develop your practical skills along with your understanding of how they relate to laboratory investigation and diagnosis of disease.

Objectives

Successful completion of this unit should enable you to:

1. Explain the principles and basic concepts of general pathology and how they apply across the major organ systems of the human body using appropriate terminology.
2. Critically evaluate the aetiology and pathophysiology of major diseases affecting humans and correlate them with the clinical symptoms and diagnostic procedures used to investigate them within the laboratory.
3. Identify major tissues and organs within the human body using histology and begin to identify signs of histopathology.
4. Identify the common components observed in normal and abnormal cytology slides taken from the female reproductive system and correlate them with the hormonal status where appropriate
5. Prepare and diagnose a range of normal and abnormal blood films.

Content

In this unit, the pathophysiology of diseases of organ systems is integrated with diagnostic histopathology, cytology and haematology. The content includes:

General Pathology:
o Cell stress, adaptation and death
o Inflammation and repair
o Hemodynamic and vascular disorders
o Benign and malignant neoplasia
o Immunity and Infection

Systemic Pathology:
o Cardiovascular system
o Nervous system
o Respiratory system
o Alimentary System
o Urogenital system
o Musculoskeletal system

Introduction to histopathological and cytological diagnosis and techniques
Introduction to haematological diagnosis and techniques

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit consists of 2 hours of lectures per week in which the theoretical aspects of pathology and pathological diagnosis are presented; this is complemented by a 3 hour practical session covering basic pathological processes, histopathology, cytology and haematology. From 2012, a 1 hour weekly tutorial will be included to allow additional revision of key concepts and practical problems.

Practical sessions involve self-assessment modules and spot tests designed to assist you in monitoring your own academic progress and level of achievement. You will be encouraged to use the practical laboratory outside of formal practical sessions for further self-directed learning activities; both online and physical resources will be provided to help you develop your analytical and problem solving skills. Case studies are provided as laboratory exercises. You will be encouraged to learn both independently and with your classmates by participation.

Assessment

Due to an emphasis on professional practice in this unit, students must obtain at least 45% for the final theory exam and practical component and 50% overall to gain an overall pass in the unit.Throughout the semester you will be provided with feedback on your learning and academic progress via your weekly spot quizzes, by participating and completing the in class activities and discussing them with your classmates and/or teaching staff. You can also receive immediate feedback on your own progress by completing the self directed learning activities available to you on the LSB365 Blackboard. You should use these resources to identify areas you might need to focus on or to modify your learning approach. During the semester and at the end of semester you will also be provided with opportunities to give your feedback and thoughts on the teaching and content of this unit. This is for your benefit and future students who will enrol in and complete this unit. Your feedback, comments and suggestions will be used to make improvements and modifications to the unit where possible to improve the learning outcomes for everyone.

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: (Formative and summative) - Weeks 2 to 12: Pathology, histology and cytology spot test quiz. Weeks 6 and 12: Haematology section progress test
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 3
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 2-13

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: (Summative) - Combination of multiple-choice and short answer questions.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, and 3
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: (Summative) - Short answer questions.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 3
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Texts:

1. Kumar V, Abbas A & Fausto N (2010) Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 8th edition, Elsevier Saunders, Philadelphia, USA

Additional References:

1. Rozenberg G (2010) Microscopic Haematology: A Practical Guide for the Laboratory, 4th edition, Taylor & Francis, London, UK

2. Carr JH & Rodak BF (2009) Clinical Hematology Atlas, 3rd edition, Elsevier Saunders, Philadelphia, USA

3. Rubin E (2008) Rubin's Pathology: Clinicopathologic Foundations in Medicine, 5th edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Maryland, USA

4. Reid R (2005) Pathology Illustrated, 6th edition, Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, UK

5. Underwood JCE (2004) General and Systematic Pathology, 4th edition, Churchill Livingstone, New York, USA

6. Cooke RA (2004) Colour Atlas of Anatomical Pathology, 3rd edition, Churchill Livingstone, New York, USA

7. Wheater PR et al (2002) Basic Histopathology, 4th edition, Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, UK

8. Keebler C & Somerak T (1993) The Manual of Cytotechnology, 7th edition, ASCP Press, Chicago, USA

Risk assessment statement

This unit includes a laboratory component where you will be required to handle specimens that may be potentially infectious. In order that you become proficient in necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. You will be provided with the latest edition of a comprehensive safety booklet pertinent to life sciences laboratories and specifically to this unit, and you will be required to adhere to the safety procedures detailed in it. You are referred to the university's health and safety web site http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/index.jsp for further information.

If you have an underlying health condition you are encouraged to consult the lecturer in charge of the unit, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 09-Jan-2013