Outline

Overview

The course of study covers a broad spectrum of general histopathology with introduction to the specialised disciplines of cytopathology and immunopathology and their clinical applications. The oral pathology component is expanded continuing to examine in more detail the clinicopathological features of soft and hard tissue pathoses including inflammatory and repair processes, hamartomas, mucosal and salivary gland diseases, fibro-osseous conditions, benign and malignant non-odontogenic and odontogenic neoplasms, and cysts of the jaws and soft tissues of the head and neck. Weekly departmental review of the current histopathology cases, particularly biopsies of patients undertaken or seen in the Oral Medicine clinics, or Head and Neck oncology clinics.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	(DENT6010 and DENT5203 and DENT5204 and DENT5205) or DENT6127
Corequisites ?	DENT6011 and DENT5206 and DENT5208
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Babak Sarrafpour, babak.sarrafpour@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Firoz Iqbal, firoz.iqbal@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Babak Sarrafpour, babak.sarrafpour@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Written examination Written examination	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Seminar presentation Attendance and participation in seminars	20%	Multiple weeks	To be added by the Unit coordinator
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Microscope/Histopathology sessions Attendance and participation in Microscope/Histopathology sessions	30%	Multiple weeks	To be added by the Unit coordinator
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

A 2 hour written paper with 4 essays each of 25% value. Subject matter to be examined will include the full range of theoretical and clinical Oral Pathology, with the expected standard that of a first year trainee in Oral Medicine.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Weekly	Autoimmune mucosal diseases	Seminar (1 hr)
	HIV/AIDS – oral manifestations	Seminar (1 hr)
	Bilateral parotid gland enlargements	Seminar (1 hr)
	Soft tissue tumours - benign	Seminar (1 hr)
	Soft tissue tumours – malignant	Seminar (1 hr)
	Mid-palatal destructive lesions	Seminar (1 hr)
	Non-odontogenic tumours	Seminar (1 hr)
	Cysts of the mouth, face & neck	Seminar (1 hr)
	Granulomatous inflammation – immunological & infective	Seminar (1 hr)
	TMJ pathology	Seminar (1 hr)
	Lymphoproliferative Diseases & Leukaemia	Seminar (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance is a professional responsibility required of all students admitted to academic programs within the Sydney Dental School. All programs in the Sydney Dental School have a 90% attendance policy, for all compulsory components of Units of Study, as detailed in the Faculty of Dentistry Attendance Provisions 2015. This includes all clinical and practical sessions. The course requirements cannot be satisfied if more than 10% of any section of a course is missed for any reason.
Professionalism: Students in all Sydney Dental School programs are subject to the Faculty of Medicine and Health Professionalism Requirements 2019 and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Professionalism Provisions 2019. Professionalism is an essential component of developing competency to practice. It is important for students to demonstrate professional behaviour in all contexts and environments. In accordance with these local provisions: candidates who demonstrate serious or repeated unprofessional behaviour may be required to show cause as to why their enrolment should be continued. Failure to show cause may result in exclusion from the course.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

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

LO1. demonstrate a solid understanding of the pathobiology and natural history of oro-facial diseases, at the level of a second year trainee in oral surgery
LO2. demonstrate a solid understanding of the correlations between clinical and pathological features of oro-facial diseases, at the level of a second year trainee in oral surgery
LO3. demonstrate a solid understanding of general histopathology and the specialised disciplines of cytopathology and immunopathology and their clinical applications to oro-facial diseases, at the level of a second year trainee in oral surgery
LO4. demonstrate the application of theoretical knowledge in the clinical management of patients.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Oral Pathology - 1. Professionalism - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning 2. Communication and social skills - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3. Critical thinking - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4. Scientific and clinical knowledge 4.1. Generic - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following areas of knowledge, as relevant to the specialty: 4.1.a. historical and contemporary literature 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.c. development, anatomy, physiology and pathology of hard and soft tissues of the head and neck 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and 4.2. Specific - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following areas of knowledge, as relevant to the specialty: 4.2.a. general pathology and basic pathological sciences 4.2.b. embryology and genetic factors affecting the oral and maxillofacial region (and adjacent structures) 4.2.c. macroscopic and histological features of the oral and maxillofacial region (and adjacent structures) in normal tissues and in pathology 4.2.d. the relationship of pathology in the oral and maxillofacial region (and adjacent structures) to the general health of the patient 4.2.e. oral and maxillofacial manifestations of systemic disease 4.2.f. oral and maxillofacial oncology, and 4.2.g. understanding the functions of a pathologist in the laboratory including specimen accession, management and processing as well as quality assurance and occupational health and safety processes. 5. Patient care 5.2. Specific - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 5.2.b. correlating the findings of diagnostic oral and maxillofacial histological examination of tissue with clinical and radiological features
	Oral Pathology - 1. Professionalism - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning 2. Communication and social skills - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3. Critical thinking - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4. Scientific and clinical knowledge 4.1. Generic - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following areas of knowledge, as relevant to the specialty: 4.1.a. historical and contemporary literature 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.c. development, anatomy, physiology and pathology of hard and soft tissues of the head and neck 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and 4.2.a. general pathology and basic pathological sciences 4.2.b. embryology and genetic factors affecting the oral and maxillofacial region (and adjacent structures) 4.2.c. macroscopic and histological features of the oral and maxillofacial region (and adjacent structures) in normal tissues and in pathology 4.2.d. the relationship of pathology in the oral and maxillofacial region (and adjacent structures) to the general health of the patient 4.2.e. oral and maxillofacial manifestations of systemic disease 4.2.f. oral and maxillofacial oncology, and 4.2.g. understanding the functions of a pathologist in the laboratory including specimen accession, management and processing as well as quality assurance and occupational health and safety processes. 5. Patient care 5.1. Generic - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 5.1.a. applying decision-making, clinical reasoning and judgement to develop a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan by interpreting and correlating findings from the history, clinical examinations, imaging and other diagnostic tests 5.1.b. managing complex cases, including compromised patients with multidisciplinary management, and 5.2. Specific - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 5.2.b. correlating the findings of diagnostic oral and maxillofacial histological examination of tissue with clinical and radiological features 5.2.c. undertaking and interpreting appropriate ancillary tests 5.2.d. providing clinical and histopathological diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial pathology (and adjacent structures), and 5.2.e. writing reports.
	Oral Pathology - 1. Professionalism - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning 2. Communication and social skills - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3. Critical thinking - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4. Scientific and clinical knowledge 4.1. Generic - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following areas of knowledge, as relevant to the specialty: 4.1.a. historical and contemporary literature 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.c. development, anatomy, physiology and pathology of hard and soft tissues of the head and neck 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and 4.1.e. management and treatment planning with multidisciplinary engagement for complex cases, including compromised patients. 4.2. Specific - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following areas of knowledge, as relevant to the specialty: 4.2.a. general pathology and basic pathological sciences 4.2.b. embryology and genetic factors affecting the oral and maxillofacial region (and adjacent structures) 4.2.c. macroscopic and histological features of the oral and maxillofacial region (and adjacent structures) in normal tissues and in pathology 4.2.d. the relationship of pathology in the oral and maxillofacial region (and adjacent structures) to the general health of the patient 4.2.e. oral and maxillofacial manifestations of systemic disease 4.2.f. oral and maxillofacial oncology, and 4.2.g. understanding the functions of a pathologist in the laboratory including specimen accession, management and processing as well as quality assurance and occupational health and safety processes. 5. Patient care 5.1. Generic - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 5.1.b. managing complex cases, including compromised patients with multidisciplinary management, and 5.2. Specific - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 5.2.a. handling specimens appropriately 5.2.b. correlating the findings of diagnostic oral and maxillofacial histological examination of tissue with clinical and radiological features 5.2.c. undertaking and interpreting appropriate ancillary tests 5.2.d. providing clinical and histopathological diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial pathology (and adjacent structures), and 5.2.e. writing reports.
	Oral Pathology - 1. Professionalism - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 1.a. recognising the personal limitations and scope of the specialty and knowing when to refer or seek advice appropriately 1.b. practising with personal and professional integrity, honesty and trustworthiness 1.c. providing patient-centred care, including selecting and prioritising treatment options that are compassionate and respectful of patients’ best interests, dignity and choices and which seek to improve community oral health 1.d. understanding and applying the moral, cultural, ethical principles and legal responsibilities involved in the provision of specialist dental care to individual patients, to communities and populations 1.e. displaying appropriate professional behaviour and communication towards all members of the dental team and referring health practitioner/s 1.f. understanding and applying legislation including that related to record-keeping 1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning 1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and 1.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession. 2. Communication and social skills - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 2.a. identifying and understanding a patient’s, or their parent’s, guardian’s or carer’s expectations, desires and attitudes when planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.b. communicating effectively with patients, their families, relatives and carers in a manner that takes into account factors such as their age, intellectual development, social and cultural background 2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.d. communicating effectively in all forms of health and legal reporting, and 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3. Critical thinking - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4. Scientific and clinical knowledge 4.1. Generic - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following areas of knowledge, as relevant to the specialty: 4.1.a. historical and contemporary literature 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and 4.1.e. management and treatment planning with multidisciplinary engagement for complex cases, including compromised patients. 4.2. Specific - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following areas of knowledge, as relevant to the specialty: 4.2.a. general pathology and basic pathological sciences 4.2.b. embryology and genetic factors affecting the oral and maxillofacial region (and adjacent structures) 4.2.c. macroscopic and histological features of the oral and maxillofacial region (and adjacent structures) in normal tissues and in pathology 4.2.d. the relationship of pathology in the oral and maxillofacial region (and adjacent structures) to the general health of the patient 4.2.e. oral and maxillofacial manifestations of systemic disease 4.2.f. oral and maxillofacial oncology, and 4.2.g. understanding the functions of a pathologist in the laboratory including specimen accession, management and processing as well as quality assurance and occupational health and safety processes. 5. Patient care 5.1. Generic - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 5.1.a. applying decision-making, clinical reasoning and judgement to develop a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan by interpreting and correlating findings from the history, clinical examinations, imaging and other diagnostic tests 5.1.b. managing complex cases, including compromised patients with multidisciplinary management, and 5.1.c. managing complications. 5.2. Specific - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 5.2.a. handling specimens appropriately 5.2.b. correlating the findings of diagnostic oral and maxillofacial histological examination of tissue with clinical and radiological features 5.2.c. undertaking and interpreting appropriate ancillary tests 5.2.d. providing clinical and histopathological diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial pathology (and adjacent structures), and 5.2.e. writing reports.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Students must comply with work health and safety, infection control and dress standard policies of all laboratories, placement sites and Local Health Districts (LHDs).

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

DENT5207: Oral Pathology 2A

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Westmead, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect