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Unit of study_

CPAT3901: Pathogenesis of Human Disease 1 (Advanced)

2025 unit information

A deep understanding of pathological mechanisms for disease progression leads to improved human health outcomes. As human populations across the world are ageing, the increasing burden of age-related disease will become one of the greatest challenges facing modern medical science. To equip students with skills appropriate for job-ready careers in the biomedical sciences specialising in pathology it is necessary to provide an integrated understanding of how to evaluate and analyse crucial pathological mechanisms governing disease progression in humans. You will participate in inquiry-led learning modules focused on the systems theory of disease and the underlying mechanisms that promote disease progression in humans. To demonstrate disease you will review high-resolution imagery of pathological specimens using innovative online tools combined with in-depth description of immunological, molecular and biochemical process that underpin the pathogenesis of disease in a range of major body organs. You will undertake investigations to gain an advanced understanding of the health complications of common human diseases. You will learn to use a process of high-level deduction to identify key differences between normality and disease in order to explain cellular aspects of certain pathological processes. Through undertaking this unit you will develop the necessary skill set to define and strategically assess how different organ systems react to injury/insult and how to apply basic concepts of disease processes, which ultimately improve the capacity to manage and intervene in fundamental and clinical aspects of health and disease. Enquiries should be directed to paul.witting@sydney.edu.au.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Medicine and Health

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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A WAM of 70 and a mark of 70 or above in 12 credit points from {[IMMU2X11 or IMMU2101 or MEDS2004 or MIMI2X02] or [(MEDS2004 or MIMI2X02) and (MEDS2001 or MEDS2003 or PHSI2X07)] or MEDS201X}
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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CPAT3201
Assumed knowledge:
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A working knowledge of biology

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. 1) Develop a robust process to evaluate digital sources of information and present contemporary scientific views based on validated literature
  • LO2. 2) Develop an advanced understanding of disease pathogenesis, specific cell types involved and the underlying mechanisms for disease progression
  • LO3. 3) Develop a depth of knowledge in contemporary management and treatment options for various pathologies that affect humans
  • LO4. 4) Develop an advanced understanding of diagnostic imaging technologies that are useful in the fields of basic research and disease diagnosis diagnostic
  • LO5. 5) Work collaboratively with active researchers and develop an understanding of interdisciplinary approaches to examine disease progression

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2020
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Block mode Remote
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2022
Block mode Remote
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

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