General Pathology

Code:

MV227

Acronym:

PG

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Basic Sciences

Instance: 2022/2023 - 2S (of 13-02-2023 to 09-06-2023)

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Molecular Pahology and Immunology
Course/CS Responsible:	Integrated Masters Degree in Veterinary Medicine

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIMV	57	Official Study Plan	2	-	5	56	135

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

The General Pathology 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 UC favors the face-to-face mode, however, in specific and duly substantiated situations, it may be the target of adaptations aimed to online or distance teaching.

Additionally, the students must present good comand of English language. In the case of foreign students, teaching support documents can be provided in English.

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 Pathology. Cellular adaptations, cell injury and cell death. Acute and chronic inflammation. Tissue repair: cellular growth, fibrosis and wound healing. Hemodynamic disorders, thrombosis and shock. Carcinogenesis and Neoplasia. 

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

James F. Zachary; Pathologic basis of veterinary disease. ISBN: 978-0-323-35775-3
Maria dos Anjos Pires; Atlas de patologia veterinária. ISBN: 972-757-281-2
K. V. F. Jubb; Pathology of domestic animals. ISBN: 0-12-391605-4

Complementary Bibliography

Moulton, J.E.; Tumors in Domestic Animals, 3rd Edition, University of California Press, Berkley., 1990

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.

Software

Moodle Universidade do Porto

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	34,00
Estudo autónomo	45,00
Frequência das aulas	56,00
Total:	135,00

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. This component will be taken into consideration in both steps of 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. Exceptional situations according to the law will be, obviously, considered.

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 in each of the theoretical and practical exam a grade equal or superior to 9,5 out of 20 points.

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

Do not apply

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 2022-2023 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%)