Physiopathology
Keywords |
Classification |
Keyword |
OFICIAL |
Medical Sciences |
OFICIAL |
Biology |
Instance: 2021/2022 - 2S (of 21-02-2022 to 10-06-2022) 
Cycles of Study/Courses
Acronym |
No. of Students |
Study Plan |
Curricular Years |
Credits UCN |
Credits ECTS |
Contact hours |
Total Time |
L:BQ |
28 |
Official Study Plan |
3 |
- |
6 |
56 |
162 |
Teaching language
Suitable for English-speaking students
Objectives
The Phisiopathology subject studies the basic principles of pathophysiology necessary for the understanding of the animal disease processes. The discipline is focused on the mechanisms underlying the disease process and on the morphological (macroscopic, cellular and ultrastructural), physiological and biochemical changes by which it is manifested. The main objective is the "scientific study of the disease" and the "knowledge of the causes of the disease, how it begins, progresses and with the possible explanation of the signs and symptoms underlying and displayed by the patient." It studies the structural and functional changes caused by the disease and it is necessary to have a basic knowledge of histology (organization and tissue architecture) to bring light to confusing situations that may occur due to the small clinical knowledge to date. With the introduction of clinical cases it is intended to develop the profile of observation, interpretation and integration, necessary for the analysis of disease. Whenever possible, the cases will be accompanied by a clinical history, anatomical lesions and some laboratory / complementary examinations, to determine the most probable diagnosis and to explain the pathogenesis of the disease.
Learning outcomes and competences
The class focuses on the mechanisms underlying the disease process demonstrated through morphological (macroscopic, cellular and ultrastructural), physiological and biochemical changes. The main goal is the "scientific study of the disease" and "to obtain knowledge about the causes of disease (etiological agents), its time progression and reasons underlying the signs and symptoms of the individual." To study the structural and functional alterations the student must possess basic knowledge of Histology. Examples of disease should be accompanied by comprehensive medical history, anatomical lesions, and laboratory tests to help understand the probable diagnosis and to explain the pathogenesis of the disease.
Working method
Presencial
Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)
The student must have good knowledge of Histology and Embryology and Cellular Biology in order to be able ro acquires the knowledge to be transmitted in this course.
Program
Theoretical Lectures Introduction to phisiopathology Cellular adaptations, cell injury and cell death Acute and chronic inflammation Tissue repair: cellular growth, fibrosis and wound healing Hemodynamic disorders, thrombosis and shock Genetic disorders Diseases of Immunity Carcinogenesis and Neoplasia Infectious diseases Environmental and Nutritional Pathology Practical Lectures There will be one practical class each week lasting 2 hours. During the practical macroscopic specimen’s pictures, tissue sections and photomicrographs will be examined to further show disease processes and concepts covered in lectures. Microscopes and slide sections are provided for use during the practical sessions. The aim of the practical programme is for students to observe and understand the macroscopic and microscopic features of basic pathological processes, general and important diseases and to learn how to describe and identify them, using proper terminology.
Mandatory literature
Robbins & Cotran by Vinay Kumar, Abul K. Abbas, Jon C. Aster. ; Pathologic Basis of Disease (Robbins Pathology), Elsevier
Maria dos Anjos Pires, Fátima Gartner e Fernanda Seixas Travassos. ; Atlas de Patologia Veterinária e Biopatologia, Lidel. ISBN: 9789727572816
Complementary Bibliography
Stephen W. Barthold, Dean H. Percy and Stephen M. Griffey; Pathology of Laboratory Rodents and Rabbits, John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2016. ISBN: 9781118824245
Comments from the literature
The bibliography recommended is an aid in selecting textbooks that are useful in the study of this course, however it is strongly advised to search otherliterature specially when there are issues presented in the class, very new in the scientific field and which are hardly found in books. This will need a more accurate search online through different search engines.
Teaching methods and learning activities
Theoretical classes and Practical classes (Contact with process of surgical specimens registration for pathological examination and description of the observed macroscopic aspects. Study of histological and cytological techniques, immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry staining techniques,). The main purpose of observing the histological sections and macroscopic specimens is not learning the art of morphological diagnosis, but just an additional visual aspect of the lesions with the aim of supporting a better understanding of the mechanisms of disease. However the student must take into account that he must learn CONCEPTS, NOT memorize the pattern of the histological sections.
Slide sets and microscopes are available for private study.
Type of evaluation: Avaliação por exame final
Terms of frequency: The assessment of this UC is made by final examination at the end of the semester.
The presentation / discussion of a scientific paper will have a weight of 15% in the final evaluation. This component will not be taken in consideration if the student chooses or needs to take the appeal exam.
Students must comply with minimum attendance at the practical classes of this UC, not exceeding the limit of absences corresponding to 25% of the classes scheduled.
Formula Evaluation: The final evaluation integrates the following components:a) Presentation/discussion scientific paper (15%);b) Theoretical exam (60%);c) Practical exam (25%). For final approval, the student must obtain a grade equal or superior to 9,5 out of 20 points, in the theoretical exam.
Evaluation Type
Distributed evaluation with final exam
Assessment Components
Designation |
Weight (%) |
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico |
15,00 |
Exame |
85,00 |
Total: |
100,00 |
Amount of time allocated to each course unit
Designation |
Time (hours) |
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico |
24,00 |
Estudo autónomo |
82,00 |
Frequência das aulas |
56,00 |
Total: |
162,00 |
Eligibility for exams
The assessment of this UC is made by final examination at the end of the semester.
The presentation/discussion of a scientific paper will have a weight of 15% in the final evaluation.
Students must comply with minimum attendance at the practical classes of this UC, not exceeding the limit of absences corresponding to 25% of the classes scheduled.
Calculation formula of final grade
The final evaluation integrates the following components:
a) Presentation/discussion scientific paper (15%);
b) Theoretical exam (60%);
c) Practical exam (25%)
For final approval, the student must obtain a grade equal or superior to 9,5 out of 20 points, in the theoretical and practical exam.
Examinations or Special Assignments
Oral and written presentation of scientific articles selected by the teacher within the scope of the course, will be done by the students in a single moment near the end of the semester. These are prepared in groups of 3 to 4 students, submitted in writing format (word or powerpoint) and presented orally in 10-15 minutes in the practice class. It will be expected that by the end of the semester all groups will have presented their work on the date set for this purpose.
Internship work/project
Not applicable
Classification improvement
To improve the final classification will be required to make practical and theoretical examination of all the matter of the UC. And the final evaluation is done as follows:
For students who attended the 2021-2022 school year:
Presentation/discussion scientific paper (15%);
Theoretical exam (60%);
Practical exam (25%)
For students who attended previous school years:
Theoretical exam (60%)
Practical exam (40%)