Pathology

Study in Pathology is offered by the Discipline of Pathology in the School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health. Units of study in this minor are available at standard and advanced level.

About the minor

Pathology is central to developing an understanding of the burden of disease and providing foundational knowledge for clinical medicine. It encompasses structural alterations in tissue, changes in cellular and tissue function and ultimately the effect of these altered functions on underlying mechanisms that promote major acute and chronic diseases.

The Pathology minor examines pathogenic mechanisms that can provide knowledge on the cause of disease; this knowledge can lead to the identification of molecular targets for pharmacological development in humans and animals. This is important, as an understanding of pathological mechanisms allows us to think about how biological systems can be manipulated to treat and ultimately prevent disease. This minor draws together studies in histology, anatomy, cell biology, immunology, biochemistry, and physiology.

Requirements for completion

The Pathology minor requirements are listed in the Pathology unit of study table.

Contact and further information

Professor Paul Witting
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Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate from Pathology will be able to:

1. Exhibit an integrated knowledge of the role of the immune system in both the cause of pathology and the underlying mechanism of disease progression.
2. Exhibit a broad understanding of the cellular and molecular bases of pathogenesis of a diverse range of diseases and the pathophysiological responses to disease.
3. Critically evaluate the application of a range of pathological techniques/skills.
4. Observe and describe pathophysiological responses of relevant organs to disease and explain their effect on organ function.
5. Communicate concepts and findings in pathology across a range of modes for a variety of purposes and audiences, using evidence-based arguments that are robust to critique.
6. Apply pathological concepts and approaches to a diverse range of disease contexts and solve complex pathological problems.
7. Design, evaluate and test diagnostic pathology assays using knowledge of industry standards in assay development and regulation.
8. Develop creative and innovative approaches to problem solving in pathology research and work effectively, responsibly and safely in individual and collaborative contexts.
9. Evaluate how therapeutic approaches that target cells and molecules of our immune and other organ systems lead to breakthroughs in human disease detection, treatment and management, and examine how these are handled by different community and cultural perspectives.
10. Work effectively with colleagues from different areas of specialisation to address interdisciplinary problems in pathology.