Please note this module descriptor is indicative of the structure of this course and may be subject to change.
Cellular pathology is the study of structural and functional changes in cells, tissues and organs that underlie disease. It is a dynamic, fast-evolving specialism which saves many lives by providing rational clinical care and therapy in the fight against many serious diseases, particularly cancer. In this module you will gain an in-depth understanding of the cellular processes that contribute to the pathogenesis of disease, together with a knowledge of relevant diagnostic and research techniques. This module will build on knowledge and skills gained in NS4207 Biochemistry and will support study on NS6209 Parasitology and NS6211 Biotechnology.
Through lectures, laboratory practical sessions and workshops students will explore the cellular basis of pathology. The module starts with a comprehensive introduction to immunology, covering both innate and adaptive immunity. We will start by looking at the various cells and molecules that are involved, and explore their functional organisation. We will ask some basic questions such as how does the immune system know what to respond to?, and how does it eliminate infection?. We will go on to discuss the concept of immunological memory and how vaccination works. The module also covers disease situations associated with imbalanced immunity, including immunodeficiencies, allergy and autoimmunity. We will also look at the medically very important field of transplantation, and investigate the potential for the immune system to fight different types of cancer. Students will gain a knowledge and understanding of the principles of carcinogenesis, malignancy and metastasis. They will understand how to apply cellular pathology to the diagnosis and management of a range of common cancers. This module also covers the cellular structure and function of the major organs and the cellular pathological findings in a range of clinical disorders other than cancer. The module ends with an exploration of medical genetics, in which students will learn about the role of genetics in human health and disease.
Note: By its very nature this module focuses on human diseases, some of which may have personal relevance to individual students. If you have any concerns about the content of this course or how it will be taught, please contact the module tutor to discuss.
A student passing this module should be able to:
A course map contains a list of the individual study units, called modules, that you study to complete your course. Some modules are compulsory, but you can sometimes choose modules outside your core area of study which interest you.
A module is a self-contained, individual unit of study. The module descriptor provides various details about the module including who the module tutor is, what you will be studying, how you will be assessed and what you will have learned once you have completed the module.
Course maps and module descriptors from previous years can be found in the Course Resources Archive.
Contact our enquiries team.
Find out more about fees, funding options and ways to pay.