Consequences of Human Disease 531-303
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Coordinators
Dr John Underwood - johnru@unimelb.edu.au
Dr Margaret Ayers - mmayers@unimelb.edu.auCredit Points: 12.5
Description
Consequences of Human Disease follows on fron Mechanisms of Human Disease in semester 1, the emphasis of this subject is to enhance the theoretical understanding of the cellular, molecular and genetic basis of disease. Students will develop an understanding of the cellular, molecular and genetic bases of disease processes taking an integrated approach which utilises current advances in research and lecturers who are experts in the main areas covered - immunopathology, neuropathology and neoplasia. The immunopathology component includes organ- and non-organ specific autoimmune diseases, transplantation, Fc receptors and inflammation, HIV-AIDS. The neuropathology component of the subject focuses on neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Prion-related Diseases. Lecturers from Pathology and key cancer research institutions including the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research cover topics including cancer diagnosis, epidemiology, tumour metastases and current approaches to radiotherapy and immunotherapy of cancer.
Students will develop communication skills necessary to describe the cellular and molecular basis of complex disease processes. Students will also enhance their skills in the acquisition and evaluation of research-based data related to the lectures. From the lectures, students will understand the important relationship between basic research and the investigation of complex diseases and how research discoveries can contribute to treatment of disease.
The subject will consider- the range of ways in which response to injury in the Nervous System leads to development of neurological disease eg. Stroke, Alzheimers Disease, Parkinsons Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and others as well as the current investigative strategies being used to understand and treat these conditions.
- the mechanisms and consequences of immune-mediated tissue damage. Students will gain an understanding of how immune-mediated diseases arise and the mechanisms of tissue damage by considering a range of common organ-specific and organ-non-specific autoimmune diseases. Treatment of autoimmune diseases will also be discussed.
- the origin of cancer and the molecular and cellular events that are involved in cancer progression, heterogeneity, invasion and metastasis.
- the mechanisms of some of the most common and intractable diseases in our community. This material will link with and follow on from subjects where normal structure/function of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems are studied.
Subect Objectives
Using experts in their field of research, this subject aims to introduce students to current theoretical and experimental concepts of the cellular, molecular and genetic bases of disease. Students will develop and understanding of complex disease processes and how this understanding can be used for the treatment and prevention of major diseases affecting human society.
Generic Skills
The emphasis of this subject is to enhance the theoretical understanding of the cellular, molecular and genetics bases of disease. Utilizing an integrated approach to teaching involving current research presented by lecturers who are experts in the areas of immunological, neurological, neoplastic and genetic diseases, students will develop communication skills (written and oral) necessary to describe complex disease processes. Students will also enhance their skills in the acquisition and evaluation of research-based data related to the lectures. From the lectures, students will understand the important relationship between basic research and the investigation of complex diseases and how research discoveries can contribute to treatment of disease.
Contact Hours
Contact hours: 36 hours (3 per week)
Estimated total time commitment: 120 hoursAssessment
Two multiple choice question tests during the semester (20%) each
One 3 hour written examination (60%)
Recommended Texts
Kumar V. et. al., Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, latest edition, Saunders Elsevier.