OVERVIEW

This course offers students the fundamental elements of pathophysiology essential for understanding the meaning of laboratory tests in the diagnostic process.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Know the fundamental pathophysiological mechanisms of the main organs and systems. Know the main laboratory tests that can investigate pathophysiological mechanisms, and correlate them with basic clinical knowledge. Be aware that the purpose of knowledge of pathophysiological processes is the indispensable substrate for the subsequent clinical-laboratory approach to human diseases

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

 The pathophysiology teaching aims to:

• provide the necessary knowledge to understand the causes and mechanisms underlying the most important human diseases

• introduce issues related to laboratory diagnostic procedures

• make students acquire the ability to correctly frame the various pathologies by integrating the knowledge acquired in the pathophysiology course with that of the previous courses

   

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• Know the malfunction of the main organs and systems

• Understanding causes (endogenous or exogenous), and mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of the most frequent pathologies

• Recognize the reasons for prescribing certain laboratory tests in the presence of certain clinical patterns

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge in anatomy, histology, biochemistry, immunology, physiology and general pathology

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching is divided into 20 hours of lectures on all the topics of the program, which are illustrated by the teacher through PowerPoint presentations that are shared on Aulaweb.

During the lectures, dialectical interaction with students will be sought whenever possible.

In case of emergency, when possible and according to the university indications, the activities will be carried out online.

Students with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or with any special needs, shall reach out to the Lecturer(s) and to the dedicated SLD Representative in the Department before class begins, in order to arrange the specific teaching methods and ensure proper achievement of the learning aims and outcomes.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The main metabolic diseases: type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus; dyslipidaemias.

Classification of kidney disease and acute and chronic renal failure. Hydro-saline balance with particular reference to sodium and potassium ions. Introduction to calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Acid-base balance and its alterations. Meaning of blood gas analysis

Pathophysiology of the liver and biliary tract: acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, ascites, liver failure, portal hypertension, cholestasis, jaundice, systemic effects of liver damage.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

 Lecture notes on Aulaweb covering all the topics of the program will be provided to students;

Support books (not mandatory)

- GM Pontieri, General Pathophysiology, Piccin,

- Robbins and Cotran. The pathological bases of diseases. Elsevier

- An Internal Medicine Textbook (Harrison or Cecil)

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

II year, I semester

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

See the similar section of the Integrated Course sheet to which this discipline belongs.

In case of emergency, when possible and according to the university indications, the activities will be carried out online.

During the exam, the rules regarding the evaluation method of students certified as DSA or with other educational needs indicated by the university will be respected. (e.g.: additional time in the case of written exams, use of concept maps to be viewed for approval by the teachers at least one week before the exam date)

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The learning assessment takes place through the final exam which aims to ascertain the actual acquisition by the student of the expected results.

In particular, in order to pass the exam, the student must demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental physiopathological mechanisms discussed during the course

The following contribute to the final grade expressed in thirtieths:

the ability to deal with the required topics in a transversal and critical manner, with the necessary interactions between the various chapters of the physiopathology program

correctness, clarity, synthesis and fluency of exposition;

mastery of the subject;

the adoption of appropriate terminology

Knowledge of the basic concepts of the subject is necessary for the exam to be approved.

During the exam, the rules regarding the evaluation method of students certified as DSA or with other educational needs indicated by the university will be respected. (e.g.: additional time in the case of written exams, use of concept maps to be viewed for approval by the teachers at least one week before the exam date)