BI1HP2: Human Pathology

Module code: BI1HP2

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: 4

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Sam Boateng, email: s.boateng@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Natasha Barrett, email: n.e.barrett@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s): IN THE SAME YEAR AS TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE BI1AP3 (Compulsory)

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 11 December 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module covers the fundamental principles of cellular and molecular pathology, including the basic mechanisms of disease development and progression, as well as laboratory methods used for diagnosis and treatment of various pathologies. On this module you will focus on understanding the concepts of diseases pathogenesis affecting the major human organ systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastro-intestinal, musculo-skeletal, renal and nervous system. Linking to what you learn on the Anatomy and Physiology (BI1AP3) module you will learn to identify tissues of major organs (histology), based on their microscopic anatomy and the structure and connections of various cell types that build these organs. You will develop practical skills on various techniques and current laboratory practices in cellular pathology, used in research or clinical laboratory settings to collect, visualise and identify tissue samples and sections. 

You will also develop your knowledge on how major diseases affect different organ systems in the body, including cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological disorders. Additionally, you will gain insight into the latest advances in therapeutics and treatment strategies. Overall, the pathology module aims to provide you with a solid theoretical and practical knowledge and essential skills to understand the role of pathology in human disease diagnosis in biomedical research or healthcare. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Explain the differences in tissue and organ function between normal physiology and pathology induced by disease 
2. Describe the aetiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculo-skeletal, renal and nervous system 
3. Describe and recognise the cellular morphology of basic tissue types using microscopic examinations 

Module content

This module will explore:   

• The systems level pathology of major diseases affecting the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastro-intestinal, musculo-skeletal, renal and nervous system. 
• Histopathology, involving the examination of sampled whole tissues under the microscope, with the use and analysis of special staining techniques and other associated tests 
• Cytopathology (cytology), involving the examination of single cells for screening for disease (e.g. cervical smear) 
• Molecular pathology and cytogenetics to identify chromosome changes and mutations leading to inherited diseases (using techniques such as fluorescent in-situ hybridization, polymerase chain reaction and sequencing) 
• The clinical biochemistry of selected diseases of the liver, heart and endocrine system 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, laboratory-based practical classes, self-directed learning and directed independent study. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard.

Study hours

At least 42 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Blackboard tests will be offered for formative assessment to assist their learning. 

Reassessment

Additional costs