Unit Outline

This unit develops your understanding of the pathological processes that underlie various human diseases at a cellular, tissue and organ level. Histopathological methods and microscopic recognition are used to demonstrate disease processes such as inflammation, fibrosis and neoplasia. A range of standard staining techniques and immunohistochemistry will be studied theoretically and practically to inform disease processes and diagnosis.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Explain the principles and processes of common human pathological states.
2	Undertake tissue-based diagnosis of a variety of disease pathologies by drawing appropriate conclusions from clinical and pathological manifestations.
3	Communicate in a systematic way in writing, using correct, discipline specific terminology related to pathology.
4	Demonstrate a theoretical and practical understanding of the histochemical and immunohistochemical staining techniques used in the diagnosis of common diseases.
5	Differentiate normal and diseased tissue by identifying microscopically altered cell structures and staining in benign and malignant disease.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	CZZ101 and CZZ102

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Practical Exam	Week 12	35 %	LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 2:	Practical Report	Refer to Assessment Description	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 3:	Examination	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Practical Exam

Task Description:

This is a closed-book exam (no materials permitted) comprising the microscopic examination of tissue sections and associated questions covering practical material from the entire unit. This is a hurdle task, and students must pass this task to pass the unit overall.

Task Length:

3 hours

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain the principles and processes of common human pathological states.	LO1
2	Differentiate abnormal tissue from variations in the normal range at a microscopic level to identify disease.	LO5
3	Communicate by completing drawings and using discipline specific terminology.	LO3
4	Apply histochemical and immunohistochemical staining techniques used in the diagnosis of common diseases.	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Practical Report

Task Description:

You will be required to submit a structured short report. This report will be based on multiplex immunohistochemical staining performed in laboratory sessions. For more information, please see the guidelines on MyLO.

Task Length:

600 words

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain the principle and purpose of immunohistochemistry within the context of clinical histopathology.	LO3, LO4
2	Explain why specific stains are used in the laboratory session with reference to the clinical significance of the stain.	LO4, LO5
3	Discuss the results obtained within the laboratory sessions to explain the basis of disease and extrapolate this to clinical indications.	LO1, LO2
4	Structure the laboratory report to comply with specified pathology journal guidelines.	LO3

Assessment Task 3: Examination

Task Description:

This is a closed book paper-based exam, where you will be required to demonstrate your individual ability to communicate and apply theoretical and practical knowledge. You may take one A4 double sided or two A4 single sided pages of typed notes into the exam.

Task Length:

2 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain the pathogenesis of disease states.	LO1
2	Discuss tissue-based diagnosis of a variety of disease pathologies by drawing appropriate conclusions from clinical and pathological manifestations.	LO2
3	Describe and discuss the histochemical and immunohistochemical staining techniques used in the diagnosis of common diseases.	LO4
4	Communicate using correct, discipline specific terminology.	LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Required Resources

Required reading materials