BI1BE2-Pathology: Introduction to Human Disease

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5ECTS credits]
Level: 4
Terms in which taught: Spring
Module Convenor: Professor JM Gibbins
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2009/0

Email: j.m.gibbins@reading.ac.uk

Aims:
To introduce the concepts and principles related to pathogenic mechanisms and to the study of human disease.
An overview the major diseases that affect humans leading to an appreciation of the range of diseases.
To use problem-based approaches to increase understanding of disease.

Assessable learning outcomes:
At the end of the Module the student will be expected to be able to:

• Discuss the concepts and principles of studying disease processes in humans
• Describe the causes, aetiology, epidemiology and diagnosis of several of the most important diseases affecting humans
• Describe the treatment and management of patients who suffer from such diseases
• Give detailed relevant examples of each disease process along with its treatment.

Additional outcomes:
Through additional reading the student will gain computer-aided learning skills via literature database searching.

Outline content:
This module introduces the concepts and general principles relating to the study of human disease and overviews the major diseases that affect humans. The course will cover the causes, aetiology, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as: cancer, cardiovascular 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, including AIDS and CJD/BSE).

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The course content will be provided in the form of formal one-hour lectures. Appropriate handouts also will be given to students to supplement the lecture material. Computer-aided literature searching and additional reading of relevant material will enable students to improve their own learning skills. Course assessment will be provided through the completion of case studies (problem based learning) based upon material covered in lectures. Example case studies will be provided in the first session of the course.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Tutorials/seminars		10 case studies, 10 discussion sessions
Practicals
Other contact (eg study visits)
Total hours		40
Number of essays or assignments		0
Other (eg major seminar paper)		0

Assessment:
Coursework
Case studies timetabled during the Spring term.

Relative percentage of coursework: 30% (Case studies)

Penalties for late submission
In accordance with University policy.

Examinations
A one-and-a-half hour examination requiring the answer of 50 multiple-choice questions. This contributes 70% of the overall assessment for this module.

Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in August/September only.

Last updated: 23 November 2009