Pathology

bmsc pathology.jpg

Welcome to pathology

Pathology is the scientific study of disease and involves genetic, molecular, cellular, and organ level investigation of disease processes. Scientific research is the cornerstone of pathology, because understanding disease contributes to the development of diagnostic tests and better treatments.

Knowledge about human diseases come from:

Clinical pathology – includes observations made on patients and patient specimens, looking at the causes and mechanisms of disease and the effects of disease upon various organs and body systems;
Experimental pathology – includes experimental studies with tissues, cell cultures or animal models to understand the mechanism of disease initiation and progression.

Areas of study

Honours Specialization in Pathology

These modules introduce students to basic principles within pathology and the effects of a variety of chemicals, drugs and toxins on living organisms. To develop an understanding of the normal body before looking at abnormal and disease conditions, foundational courses in biology, biochemistry, anatomy and histology, and physiology and pharmacology are taken prior to delving into the areas of pathology. An introductory course in pathology (Pathology 3500) covers basic disease processes including inflammation, injury, immunity, infection, neoplasia, and their appearance in specific organ systems such as the heart, lungs and brain. Senior-level courses examine more advanced concepts in both clinical and experimental pathology.

Courses

Priority Information is on BMSc Website: Click Here

Pathology 3500 – Introduction to Human Pathology

An introduction to human pathology - the study of disease. Students will be introduced to general mechanisms of disease (e.g. inflammation, injury, neoplasia, disturbed hemodynamics). These general processes will be described and applied to specific diseases of organ systems.

Antirequisite(s): Nursing 2440A/B, the former Pathology 2420A.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 2280A; Biology 2382A/B.
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours
Course Weight: 1.0
Term: Full Term
Wait list option available.

Website: PathOER

Pathology 3700G – Modern Approaches in Biomedical and Pathology Research

The focus is on the various research approaches, disease models, experimental designs, and analytical methods used to study and evaluate human disease. The course will use contemporary learning tools and a variety of evaluation and assessment methods. Examples will be taken from major diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

BLENDED COURSE: asynchronous online lecture; in-person tutorial. Attendance is mandatory at tutorial.

Antirequisite(s): Anatomy and Cell Biology 3700F/G.
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 2280A and registration in a BMSc degree. Corequisite(s): Pathology 3500; Physiology 3120 or Physiology 3140A.
Extra Information: 3 lecture/tutorial hours per week. Cross-listed with Anatomy and Cell Biology 3700F/G.
Course Weight: 0.50
Term: Winter Term
Wait list option available.

Pathology 4200A – Current Concepts in the Pathogenesis of Human Diseases

This course will cover current concepts in the molecular and cellular pathogenesis of selected human diseases. These will include endocrine, metabolic, neuropsychiatric, renal, cardiac and neoplastic diseases, with emphasis on defects in genes and/or the levels of hormones or growth factor receptors, cellular organelles, intracellular signaling pathways, and cellular metabolism.

Prerequisite(s): Pathology 3500 with a mark of at least 70%
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours
Course Weight: 0.50
Term: Fall Term
Wait list option available.

Pathology 4400B – Environmental Pathology

The pathology of occupational and environmental diseases, including information on recent developments and basic mechanisms involved in these diseases. Recognition of occupational and environmental diseases, early diagnosis, mechanisms of cell injury and regeneration, and the effects of a wide variety of toxic drugs, chemicals and UV and ionizing radiation are included.

Prerequisite(s): Pathology 3500 with a mark of at least 70%.
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours.
Course Weight: 0.50
Term: Winter Term
Wait list option available.

Pathology 4500B – Introduction to Forensic Sciences

Examination of the medicolegal framework investigating the nature and circumstance of certain deaths. These forensic investigations involve experts in different disciplines assisting the coroner and police in resolving cases. Forensic pathology examines the effects of disease, particularly in sudden death, and effects of various external agents on the human body.

RESTRICTED TO YR 4 HONORS SPECIALIZATION IN PATHOLOGY

Prerequisite(s): Pathology 3500 with a mark of at least 70% and registration in the Honours Specialization in Pathology.
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours
Course Weight: 0.50
Term: Winter Term

Pathology 4600B – Genetic and Epigenetic Basis of Human Disease

This course encompasses the origins of genetic and epigenetics changes found in patients, manifestations of these in disease, and treatment approaches. Most disease scenarios will focus on inheritance of developmental and degenerative diseases. Mouse models will highlight causative changes as a complement to the analysis of human clinical examples.

Prerequisite(s): Biology 2581A/B; Pathology 3500.
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours. Wait list option available.
Course Weight: 0.50
Term: Winter Term
Wait list option available.

Pathology 4985E – Applied Pathology Research

A major research project in pathology emphasizing study design, data collection and analyses, and interpretation of results. Students select a project from a list provided by the department and are matched to a supervisor in a wet-, clinical-, or dry-laboratory, fostering a comprehensive understanding of investigative methods in pathology.

RESTRICTED TO YR 4 HONS SPECIALIZATIONS IN PATHOLOGY, MICRO IMM WITH PATHOLOGY, BIOCHEM AND PATHOLOGY OF HUMAN DISEASE.

Antirequisite(s): Anatomy and Cell Biology 4985E, Biochemistry 4484E, Biochemistry 4985E, Epidemiology and Biostatistics 4900E, Epidemiology and Biostatistics 4985E, Medical Bioinformatics 4985E, Medical Biophysics 4985E, Medical Sciences 4990E, Microbiology and Immunology 4985E, One Health 4985E, Physiology and Pharmacology 4985E, the former Anatomy and Cell Biology 4480E, the former Biochemistry 4483E, the former Chemical Biology 4500E, the former Medical Bioinformatics 4980E, the former Medical Biophysics 4970E, the former Medical Biophysics 4971E, the former Microbiology and Immunology 4970E, the former One Health 4980E, the former Pathology 4980E, the former Physiology and Pharmacology 4980E.

Prerequisite(s): Pathology 3500 with a mark of at least 70% and registration in Year 4 of the Honours Specialization in Pathology, the Honours Specialization in Biochemistry and Pathology of Human Disease, or the Honours Specialization in Microbiology and Immunology with Pathology.
Corequisite(s): Pathology 4986Y.
Extra Information: 15 hours / week
Course Weight: 1.0
Term: Full Term

Pathology 4986Y – Theory, Inquiry, and Discourse in Pathology Research

This course explores the foundations of investigative research in Pathology, with emphasis on research integrity and responsible conduct, research methodology, and critical evaluation of scientific literature. Students will develop proficiency in communicating findings through academic formats, while fostering skills required for impactful research in Pathology.