Overview

This module aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and comprehension of Cellular and Molecular Pathology at a Masters level. With a focus on disease processes and diagnostics, this module will facilitate a deeper understanding of the traditional role of histopathology in disease identification and its integration with contemporary molecular methodologies.

Please be advised that this module contains graphic images, descriptions, and discussions of various cellular and tissue abnormalities, diseases, and disorders. The content may include detailed visualisations of cells and tissues affected by infections, inflammation, cancer, and other pathological conditions. Additionally, the module may cover sensitive topics such as terminal illnesses and the impact of these conditions on patients and their families.

Note: This module serves as a core component of the accredited Biomedical Sciences MSc degree programme offered by the School of Medical and Health Sciences. It is aimed at individuals with a background in cellular pathology who are currently practising and seeking career advancement. As such, this module will not include laboratory practical elements. Students who lack the appropriate prerequisite background knowledge may find the module's content and assessments to be challenging.

This module explores disease processes in humans and the role of diagnostic science in identifying and treating these conditions. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of various diseases and the latest diagnostic methodologies used in medical and scientific fields.

Assessment Strategy

EXCELLENT - 70%-100%

Primary criteria: Comprehensive knowledge & detailed understanding. Clear evidence of extensive background study & originality. Highly focussed, relevant and well structured answers. Arguments logically presented and defended with evidence and examples. Excellent presentation skills with very accurate communication.

Secondary Criteria: (A-) Meets requirements of ClassMeets most but not all primary criteriaComplete command of subject but with some gaps in knowledgeIdeas/arguments are mostly original. (A) Meets all primary criteriaCommand of subject but with minor gaps in knowledge areasIdeas/arguments are mostly original. (A+) ExcellentExceeds expectations for some primary criteriaComplete command of subjectIdeas/arguments are highly original. (A*) Outstanding. Exceeds expectations for most primary criteria. Complete command of subject and other relevant areasIdeas/arguments are highly original.

GOOD - 60%-69%

Primary criteria: Good students demonstrate strong knowledge & understanding of most but not all of the subject area. Limited evidence of background study. The answer is focussed with good structure. Arguments are presented coherently, mostly free of factual/computational errors. Some limited original interpretation. Well know links between topics are described. Problems are addressed by existing methods/approaches. Good presentation with accurate communication.

Secondary Criteria: (B-) Meets requirements of class. Meets most but not all primary criteria. Strong factual knowledge with minor weaknesses in understanding. Most but not all ideas/arguments are well presented and few are original. (B) Meets all primary criteria. Strong factual knowledge and understandingIdeas/arguments are well presented by few are original. (B+) Good. Exceeds expectations for most primary criteria. Command of subject but with gaps in knowledge. Some ideas/arguments original.

THRESHOLD - 50-59%

Primary criteria: A threshold student demonstrates knowledge of key areas & principles, and understands the main elements of the subject area, although gaps and weaknesses in the argument are evident. No evidence of background study and wider reading. Answer focussed on question but also with some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure & argument. Answers have several factual/computational errors. No original interpretation. No links between topics are described. Limited problem solving skills. Some weaknesses in presentation accuracy & delivery.

Secondary Criteria: (C-) Meets requirements of class. Matches most but not all primary criteria. Moderate factual knowledge with several weaknesses in understandingIdeas/arguments are limited presented with weaknesses in logic/presentation. (C) Matches all primary criteria. Moderate factual knowledge with some weaknesses in understandingIdeas/arguments are limited presented with weaknesses in logic/presentation. (C+) Good within the class. Exceeds expectations for some primary criteria. Strong factual knowledge with some weaknesses in understandingIdeas/arguments are limited but are well presented.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically discuss the cellular response to stress, injury and death.

• Critically discuss the cell as a unit of health and disease.

• Critically discuss the diagnostic technologies used in cellular and molecular pathology investigations.

• Critically discuss the histogenesis of named diseases.

• Critically discuss the role of cellular and molecular pathology in identifying neoplastic conditions.