Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 401407

Coordinator Zoran Pletikosa Opens in new window

Description This unit is intended for students enrolled in a range of health science courses within the School of Science and Health. It is designed to equip students with a detailed knowledge of pathophysiological processes evident in a number of key human diseases that are vocationally relevant to these students. The content is organised using a systems based approach. Problem-based learning methods will be adopted in the tutorial component of this unit to help students develop crucial problem solving skills.

School Science

Discipline Medical Science

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Pre-requisite(s) NATS 2038

Incompatible Subjects BIOS 2028 - Pathological Basis of Disease or NATS 2037 Pathological Basis of Disease

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. explain pathophysiological processes underlying disease
2. apply knowledge of pathophysiological concepts to a range of case studies
3. identify and discuss pathophysiological manifestations of disease states
4. apply problem solving skills in the analysis of case studies
5. relate clinical and laboratory diagnostic findings to pathophysiological processes
6. hypothesise likely outcomes of disease processes
7. explain the basis for common therapeutic interventions

Subject Content

1. Cardiovascular System
- Atherosclerosis and ischaemic heart disease
- Diseases of endocardium, myocardium and pericardium
- Heart valves dysfunctions
- Heart failure
- Hypertension
- Diseases of arteries
- Diseases of veins
- Circulatory derangements: congestion, hyperaemia, oedema
- Haemorrhage
- Shock
2. Respiratory System
- Obstructive lung disorders: asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis
- Restrictive lung disorders
- Cystic fibrosis
- Common respiratory infections
- Pneumonias
- Tuberculosis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Respiratory failure and oxygen therapy
- Diseases of pleura: pleuritis and pneumothorax
- Lung cancer
3. Neurological System
- Brain trauma
- Spinal cord injury
- Seizures
- Cerebrovascular accident
- Dementia syndromes
- Demyelinating CNS diseases
- Cerebral palsy
- Degenerative brain diseases
4. Musculoskeletal System
- Inflammatory joint disorders
- Degenerative joint disorders
- Metabolic disorders of bones and joints
- Bone fractures
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Low back pain
- Disorders of muscles: myasthenia gravis and muscular dystrophies
- Fibromyalgia