Overview

This unit presents students with the key concepts of various pathological processes in human disease states at the cellular and gross anatomical levels. Topics will examine a variety of common pathological conditions and review how the body responds to these states. Students will acquire fundamental knowledge and laboratory-based competencies in Pathology for pathways into roles and further study in the various disciplines of Medicine.

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Date Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
04-August-2025
02-November-2025
Last self-enrolment date
17-August-2025
Census date
31-August-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
19-September-2025
Results released date
09-December-2025

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Appraise the pathological processes involved in human disease states at the cellular and gross levels to generate logical differential diagnoses.
  • Explain and relate the pathological features to the mechanisms and symptoms of common human diseases.
  • Evaluate with understanding the predisposing factors, causes, pathogenesis, morphology and potential complications of the diseases covered.
  • Apply knowledge of pathophysiology, histopathology and morbid anatomy in the investigation and management of human disease.

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Activity Type Activity Total Hours Number of Weeks Hours Per Week
Live Online Class 12 12 weeks 1
On-campus Lab 24 12 weeks 2
Online Lecture 24 12 weeks 2
Specified Activities Various 24 12 weeks 2
Unspecified Activities Independent Learning 66 12 weeks 5.5
Total Hours: 150 Total Hours (per week): 12.5

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Online Assignment Individual  40%  1,2,3,4 
Laboratory Report Individual  35%  1,2,3,4 
Mid-Semester Test Individual  25%  1,2,3 

Content

This unit presents students with the key concepts of various pathological processes in human disease states at the cellular and gross anatomical levels. Topics will examine a variety of common pathological conditions and review how the body responds to these states. Topics covered in this unit may include:

  • Aetiology of disease
  • Cell injury and reactive changes
  • Inflammation
  • Tissue healing and repair
  • Cellular adaptations and carcinogenesis
  • Immunopathology
  • Key disease examples of the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems
  • Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Communicating using different media
  • Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Information literacy
  • Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Technical literacy

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.