BI1BP2-Pathology

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: BI1BH12 Human Physiology or BI1AP12 Anatomy & Physiology
Modules excluded: BI1BAD2 Pathology and Histology
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Sam Boateng
Email: s.boateng@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Pathology is the study of diseases and how they affect the body.Ìý This module introduces the tissue structure (histology) of the major systems in the Human body and the disease states (pathology) that can affect them along with an introduction to the treatment of disease and broader topics such as public health and epidemiology.

Aims:

The module will take an integrated approach to studying normal tissue architecture and how this is affected by disease. The module will provide an overview of the major disease states affecting these tissues, leading to an appreciation of the range of diseases that affect humans

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding and recognition of cell specialisation in different tissues of the body


• Identify different the major tissues of the body via microscopic examination or from micrographs.


• Demonstrate a practical and theoretical understanding of the methodologies used to study cells and tissues.


• Describe the aetiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagno sis and treatment of several of the most important diseases affecting these tissues in humans.


• Demonstrate an understanding of key public health issues and the role of epidemiology in understanding the distribution and determinants of diseases.

Additional outcomes:

Develop practical laboratory skills and basic laboratory techniques.Ìý Develop data analysis skills such as arithmetical skills in calculations based on practical exercises as well as molarity and concentration calculations.Ìý Develop data presentation skills such as the production of graphical data.Ìý Develop critical analysis skills through reflection on the quality of data produced.Ìý Develop computer literacy through completion and submission of online coursework.Ìý Develop the ability to work in the laboratory as a member of a small team.

Outline content:

The lectures cover:

• Essential methodologies in cell biology including cell culture, cells as experimental models, and various types of microscopy.


• From cells to tissues - looking at epithelia, muscle, nervous and connective tissues and their cellular and extracellular constituents.


• Pathology - covering the causes, aetiology, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting these tissues, such as: cancer, cardiovascula r disease (e.g. atherosclerosis, heart failure, stroke), CNS disorders (e.g. depression, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer's, schizophrenia), autoimmune diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis), diabetes, asthma and other respiratory diseases, GI tract disorders, and infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic, etc).


• Public Health & Epidemiology

Practical classes cover the preparation, staining and identification of fixed ti ssue sections (histology).

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Theoretical knowledge of pathology will be gained through formal lectures, whilst theoretical and practical knowledge of histology will be gained through lectures and practical sessions.