Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module BISS2231: LABORATORY PATHOLOGY

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences (Biomedical Sciences) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

BISS2231: LABORATORY PATHOLOGY

Type Tied Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton
Tied to B940
Tied to B941

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To introduce students to general pathology and medical microbiology and to help them develop a basic knowledge and understanding of: the cellular basis of disease.
  • the response of cell and tissues to disease.
  • the diagnostic techniques for identification of pathogens.
  • the cellular and molecular basis of microbial infection and pathogenesis.
  • The module is designed to cover the essential principles of disease processes including mechanisms (pathogenesis), characteristics and causative factors (aetiology).

Content

  • Histopathology Component: cell injury and death.
  • sublethal reversible damage.
  • irreversible cell damage (necrosis).
  • programmed cell death (apoptosis).
  • cell growth disorders (atrophy, hypertrophy, hyperlasia, metaplasia.
  • dysplasia.
  • neoplasia).
  • tissue response to damage (acute and chronic inflammation).
  • circulatory disorders (thrombosis, embolism, infarction).
  • Microbiology Component: principles of specimen collection.
  • safety aspects.
  • diagnostic methods.
  • non-culture techniques.
  • culture techniques.
  • media and methods.
  • identification of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses.
  • antibody detection methods.
  • molecular basis of microbial infection.
  • attachment.
  • establishment.
  • invasion of cells.
  • evasion of defences.
  • innate mechanisms.
  • adaptive defences.
  • pathogenesis.
  • endotoxin.
  • exotoxins.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Upon completion students should have a knowledge of the mechanisms of cell injury, cell growth and tumour pathology.
  • Students should also have a knowledge of the mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and understand the basis of diagnostic tests for the identification of pathogens.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students should be able to recognise cytological features and apply histochemical and immunocytochemical techniques in the identification of diseased tissues.
  • Students should also be able to outline the principles of specimen collection, transport and safety aspects of sample handling and carry out relevant laboratory techniques used in the identification of pathogens.
Key Skills:
  • Students should demonstrate an ability to collect, handle and interpret experimental data.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Theoretical knowledge will be delivered in lectures and practicals.
  • Learning knowledge and understanding will be assessed by course work and end of year examinations
  • The ability to handle and interpret data will be assessed by practical reports.
  • The variety of methods of teaching and assessment will contribute to learning by providing details and rapid feedback.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 38 1-3 per Week 1 Hour 38
Practicals 6 Every 2-3 Weeks 2-4 Hours 18
Workshop 4 2 per Term 2-3 Hours 10
Preparation and Reading 134
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
examination 3 hours 100%
Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
practical work 1 33.33%
practical work 2 33.33%
spot test 33.33%

Formative Assessment:

Practical reports


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University