General Pathology

Code:

MV227

Acronym:

PG

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Basic Sciences

Instance: 2016/2017 - 2S

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	56	Plan 2007 to 2017	2	-	5	64	135

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

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 normal anatomy (structure) and physiology (function), as well as histology (organization and tissue architecture) to bring light to confusing situations that may occur due to the small clinical knowledge to date and that will be acquired only in the following years. With the introduction of clinical cases it is intended to develop the profile of observation, interpretation and integration, necessary for the analysis of animal 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. In 30 theoretical classes it is impossible to cover all the subject matter in a detailed way. Students have to read and learn as much as possible accessing to textbooks in order to increase their knowledge. It is recommended that you read the suggested bibliography. You can achieve these goals if you read about 10 pages per day, from the beginning of classes to the final exam. They can also supplement this reading and learning with relevant literature found online. The tutorial classes are an extra to your reading. The main purpose of these is to make available the latest information not found in textbooks; Help to separate the important from the less important, and increase the knowledge of the course by presenting subjects that bring something not always accessible. Reading other textbooks increases the knowledge and understanding of the processes to be studied. The presence in theoretical classes is advised, being considered a continuous evaluation factor.

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 normal Anatomy (structure), Physiology (function) and 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, Cellular Biology and Phisiology 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 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. Practical handouts will be available online (SIGARRA) to be downloaded a minimum of 1 day prior to each practical. Previous reading is recommended before coming to the practical class. Slide sets and microscopes are available for private study in Braga’s Polo when booked in advance. Recommendation: Purchase of a veterinary histopathology atlas is strongly recommended

Mandatory literature

James F. Zachary and M. Donald McGavin; Pathologic Basis of Veterinary Disease, Elsevier - Health Sciences Division, 2011. ISBN: 9780323075336
4. Moulton JE. ; Tumours in domestic animals

Complementary Bibliography

5. Goldschmidt MH, Shofer ES; Skin tumours of the dog and cat
Stephen W. Barthold, Dean H. Percy and Stephen M. Griffey;; Pathology of Laboratory Rodents and Rabbits, John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2016. ISBN: 9781118824245
2. Pires MA, Seixas Travassos F, Gärtner F; Atlas de Patologia Veterinária
3. Jones TCY, Hunt RD, King NW; Veterinary Pathology
1. Robbins SL, Cotran RS, Kumar V; Pathologic basis of disease.

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 other literature 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

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	60,00
Participação presencial	10,00
Trabalho escrito	30,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	39,00
Frequência das aulas	56,00
Trabalho de campo	40,00
Total:	135,00

Eligibility for exams

The evaluation of this course is continuous and distributed along the semester. It means that students will have to make two frequencies. The 1st frequency to be held in the week of midterm and the 2nd frequency at the normal exam period. If the classification of 1st frequency is less than 9.5 out of 20 points, the students must undergo final exam containing all the matters taught during the semesterThe written papers, presented orally during the practical classes throughout the semester, as well as attendance at theoretical lectures has a weighting of 30% and 10%, respectively. 

Calculation formula of final grade

The final evaluation integrates the following components:
Attendance at lectures (10%);
Written and oral work (30%);
Frequencies (35%);
Practical exam (25%)

Examinations or Special Assignments

Oral and written presentations of scientific articles within the scope of the discipline must be presented in a single moment, near the end of the semester. These are done in groups of 3 to 4 students and should be presented orally, in powerpoint format, in 5-10 minutes, during the practical class. It is intended that, by the end of the semester, all groups will have submitted their work on the date set for this purpose.

Internship work/project

Not applicable to this CU

 

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:
examination (60%)
practical exam (40%)