module specification

This module characterises the aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical investigation and treatment of selected systems diseases that make a significant contribution to morbidity and mortality within healthcare. Aspects covered begin with an overview of pathology, followed by a systems approach to disease, including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, immune disorders, obesity, diabetes, inborn errors of metabolism, nutritional deficiencies, and cancer

Cellular and Molecular Systems
Anatomy and Physiology

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. More specifically the module aims to provide an opportunity for in-depth study of selected body systems with reference to the pathogenesis of disease, its diagnosis and therapeutic options.  The module will also highlight the pivotal role of pathology in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of disease. In addition students will be shown how body structure and function continues to change throughout the lifespan with reference to the increasing incidence and pathophysiology of selected “age-related” systems diseases. Students’ ability to research and evaluate biomedical issues and present their findings in a cogent manner will be developed.
This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision making in complex and unpredictable contexts; and, the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

The specified learning outcomes will be developed around a framework based on the following subject matter:
Introduction to systems disease; overview of pathology, monitoring and diagnostic strategies.
Disease and malformation resulting from genetic errors (immune disorders, diabetes and inborn errors of metabolism).
Aetiology, Pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of selected systems diseases (cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, immune and gastrointestinal), including these associated with current social issues within the UK (obesity, diabetes and alcohol toxicity).

Student learning and understanding of systems pathology will be developed through an integrated programme of lectures, practical sessions and supporting tutorials (40 hours).  Lectures will be used to provide a conceptual framework whilst tutorial/practicals will be used to expand knowledge into more applied areas of pathology, with the focus on professional approaches to clinical diagnosis and investigation of disease.  A web based VLE is available to support, reinforce and test student understanding through the use of on-line quizzes and access to additional learning resources.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Describe, in depth, the aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical investigation and treatment of selected system pathologies.
2. Appreciate the social and economic consequences of such diseases with the health service and the UK as a whole
3. Evaluate and interpret relevant biochemical and medical data for a range of systems diseases.
4. Investigate topical pathological issues using a wide range of learning resources, interpret and evaluate information, and communicate conclusions effectively, both in an ethical and scientific context.

Assessment will comprise:
Practical Review (1500 words): This will require students to provide a detailed account of the aetiology, pathology and clinical (medical, pharmacological and surgical) treatment of a given case study suffering from a selected systems disease. As part of the case study students will be required to interpret and evaluate biochemical data.
In-class test (90 minutes)
To pass the module, students need to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 40%.  There will be an attendance requirement for the practical sessions. If the module is passed on reassessment, then the maximum mark awarded will be 40%.

Carton J, Daly R and Ramani P (2007). Clinical Pathology. OUP.
Cohen, B.J. (2010) Memmler’s The Human Body in Health and Disease. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
Gould B (2006) Pathophysiology for the Health Professionals (3rd ed). Saunders
Kumar V, Abbas A, Fausto N and Aster J (2009).  Pathological Basis of Disease (8th ed) Elsevier Saunders.
Pocock, G and Richards, C.D. (2009). The Human Body. An introduction for the Biomedical and Health Sciences. OUP.
Walker BR, Colledge NR, Ralston SH, Penman I (2014) Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine 22nd Edn. Churchill Livingstone