Pathophysiology
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.
Requisites
02-November-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
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Online Class | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| On-campus Lab | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Online Lecture | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Specified Activities Various | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 5.50 | 12 weeks | 66 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Report | Individual | 35% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Mid-Semester Test | Individual | 25% | 1,2,3 |
| Online Assignment | Individual | 40% | 1,2,3,4 |
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.