KNUST School of Medical Science Pathology Department
General Pathology
This is the understanding of the basic principles of causation, mechanisms and characteristics including manifestation of the major categories of diseases. It is the foundation of knowledge that must be laid down before the pathology of specific diseases is thought and studied. It is of utmost importance that the principles of the general pathology are understood before attempt is made to teach and study.
Immunology And Immunopathology
The course deals with the basic principles of immunology and diseases arising as a result of abnonnalities of the immune system. It includes aspects of immunopharmacology.
Systemic Pathology
This is the current knowledge of specific diseases as they affect individuals organs or systems and their effects on the body as a whole. The operation of one or more categories of causation and processed featuring in general pathology may be responsible for the genesis of each specific disease.
Recommended textbook include: Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease (Cotran, Kumar and Collins) Sixth Edition Muir’s Textbook of pathology General Pathology and Systematic Pathology (ed. Underwood) (Walter and Israel Pathology (Rubin and Faber) Third Edition
The student is expected to learn by a process of gathering information, acquiring and organizing knowledge, gaining understanding, and striving towards wisdom. In this process, participation in and “during” are, at least, as important as listening and hearing. Student MUST attend all lectures and participate in all labs and tutorials. Prior preparation before lectures, practicals and tutorial is BENEFICIAL AND ESSENTIAL. Every student MUST make the effort to contribute to discussion during practical session and formal tutorials.
Lectures must be considered as guide to the material to be covered. When reading or written assignment are given, the student MUST TAKE NOTE AND COMPLY.
General Pathology Theory
Course Objectives
- At the end of the course the student shall, when required, be able to:
- Describe and explain in own words the scientific basis of disease causation.
- Classify the various causes of disease
- Describe in a logical and sequential fashion the events and explain the mechanism involved in various process
- Describe and analyse the morphologic and/or functiuonal changes induced by various pathogenic processes.
- Differentiate between processes and mechanism that produce similar morphologic and lor functional changes.
- State and explain clearly all the terminology introduced in the course.
- Deduce and predict the outcomes (morphologic, biochemical and/or functional changes/coinsequences) of a given pathogenic process.
- State and/or explain the underlying pathogenetic process when given a specific scenario. Write an essay, short or long, on any of the topics treated in the course.
- Here the emphasis is on the clarity of thought, good usage of language including appropriate technology and clear understanding of the topic.
- Answer multiple-choice including True/False and matching questions on every topic treated in class.
Content: General Pathology
A. Introduction To Pathology
- History of pathology
- Techniques available in pathology
- Learning pathology
- Characteristics and Nomenclature of disease
B. Cellular Basis Of Disease
- Aetiology; pathogenesis; manifestation and presentation; complications and sequelae; prognosis
- Primary and secondary; acute and chronic; prefixes and suffixes; syndromes
- Inherited and acquired; congenital; iatrogenic
C. Tissue Response To Injury
- Acute Inflammation
- Chronic Inflammation
- Healing: Regeneration and repair
D. Circulatory Disturbances
- Hyperaemia and Congese. Oedema Thrombosis
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation
- Embolism Ischaemia and Infarction
- Shock
E. Disorders of Growth and Neoplasia
- Harmatoma and Chroristoma
- Dysplasia and Carcinoma-in-situ (Intraepithelia/Pre-invasive neoplasia)
- Neoplasia
F. Infectious Diseases
- Bacterial Infections
- Mycoses
- Parasitic infestations