Pathobiology (8797.3)

Please note these are the 2021 details for this unit
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Pathobiology
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.125 3 Faculty Of Science And Technology
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
Academic Program Area - Science Level 3 - Undergraduate Advanced Unit Band 2 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 3 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
This unit introduces students to the mechanisms and characteristics of the major categories of disease. The study begins at the cellular level with examination of cellular adaptations, reversible cell injury and cell death. This is followed by examination of local and systemic responses to cell and tissue injury. Genetic factors in disease as well as neoplasia will also be considered. The unit concludes with discussion of examples of diseases of specific organs/organ systems to illustrate how fundamental cellular and tissue responses to pathologic stimuli affect these specialised organs or organ systems.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms and processes underlying major groups of disease;
2. Apply this knowledge in the analysis of specific diseases discussed in the unit; and
3. Think and write logically, critically and independently.


Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas


Prerequisites

6532 Human Physiology and the Lifecycle OR 6530 Biochemistry.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

This unit is not open to students who have passed 6519 Pathbiology.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
Not available

Required texts

Required Text

Students will need the following textbook. 

Kumar V, Abbas AK, and Aster JC; 2020, Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th Edition, Saunders (Publishers) 
Available from the library (Short trem loan) or hard copy can be purchased at the UCX shop or through School Locker https://theschoollocker.com.au/universities/university-of-canberra

e-TEXT book is also available through Reading List on UCLearn (Canvas) site. 

The following lab manual is required for the laboratory classes and is available to print from the CANVAS site for this unit.  Please print out the complete manual prior to the first laboratory session and bring it to every laboratory session.

Xiaonan Zhang, Reena Ghildyal & Nelson M 2023, Pathobiology Practical Learning Modules, University of Canberra, Australia

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

If there is any doubt with regard to the requirements of any particular assignments or assessment procedure, the onus for clarifying the issue rests with the student who should contact the unit Convener or tutor. Further, it is the students' responsibility to ensure that they are correctly enrolled in the unit and that the tutor and Student Administration have their correct contact details.

Deferred Assessments

Provisions will be made for students who are unable to sit the mid-semester test and produce appropriate medical certificates or other relevant documentation. In the event of a student misses the mid-semester theory/lab test, final theory/lab assessment or in-class laboratory module due to illness or other exceptional circumstances (refer to eligibility criteria), they must submit a Faculty of Science & Technology Deferred Test Request form (available on UCLearn(CANVAS) site), along with appropriate documentation (original or certified copy), within 3 working days of missing the exam/assessment to the Unit Convener via email.  If their request is approved, students will be allowed to sit a deferred mid-semester test at a later date (as chosen by the unit convener).

Special assessment requirements

In order to pass this Unit students must:

  • Attend at least  5 of the 7 sessions of labs and tutorials;
  • Complete these assessment items: Mid-semester Test, Mid-Semester Lab Test, Final Lab Assessment and Final Assessment for the Unit;
  • Gain at least 50% mark in the Final Assessment for the Unit; and
  • Gain an overall aggregated mark of at least 50%.

The Unit Convener reserves the right to question students orally on any of their submitted work.

Academic integrity

Students have a responsibility to uphold University standards on ethical scholarship. Good scholarship involves building on the work of others and use of others' work must be acknowledged with proper attribution made. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are dishonest practices that contravene academic values. Refer to the University's Student Charter for more information.

To enhance understanding of academic integrity, all students are expected to complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) at least once during their course of study. You can access this module within UCLearn (Canvas) through the 'Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism' link in the Study Help site.

Use of Text-Matching Software

The University of Canberra uses text-matching software to help students and staff reduce plagiarism and improve understanding of academic integrity. The software matches submitted text in student assignments against material from various sources: the internet, published books and journals, and previously submitted student texts.

Learner engagement

The learning in the unit is through lectures and practical laboratory classes with other unit relevant information imparted in focussed tutorials; on average there are 2 hours of lectures and 1.5 hours of practicals/tutorials every week. It is recommended that you will spend, on average, a total of 10 hours every week on this subject, including the 4 hours of contact time, and 6 hours of self directed study.

Participation requirements

Participation in all laboratory classes is strongly recommended for this unit. You must participate in at least 5 of the 7 laboratories/tutorials and attempt all the assessment items to pass this unit.

Required IT skills

Basic knowledge of word processing software.

In-unit costs

The laboratory coat purchased for other Units can be used in this Unit.  Textbook purchase is optional but strongly recommended.

Work placement, internships or practicums

This Unit does not have work placements or internships, however, learning in this unit will be integrally linked to experiences in professional contexts (e.g. laboratory skills undertaken are those found in the work place).

Additional information

Laboratory component Potentially hazardous materials will be used as part of this unit.  Risk assessments have been performed and control measures implemented to manage hazards and risks.  Students have an obligation to comply with any safety directions issued by staff and to inform staff if incident of a potentially hazardous nature occur.  With respect to chemicals, staff will provide students with access to Material Safety Data Sheets.

Safety precautions that should be observed in the pathology/microbiology laboratory are detailed in the Laboratory Manual and should be strictly followed when you are working in the laboratory.

When in the laboratory, if students should experience symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, a dry or sore throat, stinging or burning sensation in their eyes, fatigue or loss of concentration, students must inform their tutor and leave the laboratory immediately. Students may need to go to the University Health Centre if symptoms persist.

Writing skills: Academic writing skill and use of scientific terminology need to be excellent to do well in this unit. Students who wish to further improve their academic writing skills are encouraged to contact the Academic Skills Program. Please note that appointments are necessary and need to be made at least 2 weeks in advance. 

Provision of information to the group

Notifications through the CANVAS Discussion Forums are deemed to be made to the whole class.  It is the responsibility of the students to ensure that they check for announcements on the Unit's CANVAS website (CANVAS forum messages are also emailed to student email addresses only).  Students should ensure they check their student email regularly.  The CANVAS discussion forums will be checked by staff regularly.

Use of student email account

The University Email policy states that "students wishing to contact the University via email regarding administrative or academic matters need to send the email from the University account for identity verification purposes".  Therefore all unit enquiries should be emailed using a student university email account. Students should contact servicedesk@canberra.edu.au if they have any issues accessing their university email account.

In all cases of absence, sickness or personal problems it is the student's responsibility to ensure that the unit Convener is informed. The minimum participation requirement must be met in order to pass the unit (regardless of supporting documentation).