The discipline of Pathology forms a continuous stream of teaching of the pathogenesis of disease throughout the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th years of the medical curriculum. In Year 3, the course PATH3101 comprises an introduction to basic disease processes (General Pathology), ie. those fundamental processes which are common to all tissues and organs of the body. The course covers classification of disease, and deals with both congenital and acquired diseases. The program comprises lectures, tutorials, practical classes and demonstrations on responses of cells to injury, inflammation, aberrations of the blood and vascular system and specific related effects of embolism and infarction, as well as studies of normal and abnormal growth, and of healing and regenerative processes. In addition, it includes consideration of the basic processes of neoplasia and carcinogenesis, as well as an introduction to the pathobiology of such contemporary health problems as environmental toxicology. In order to integrate the teaching of pathology with clinical studies, each fundamental process will be exemplified by references to examples of diseases of organ systems (Systemic Pathology) of practical importance.

Assessment: Proficiency in the course, sufficient to proceed to Year 4, will be assessed by mid-year and end of year examinations which will comprise 30% and 70% respectively of the total mark in Pathology. Both assessments will comprise theory and practical components. Progress self-assessments with automated feedback will be made available on the World Wide Web.