Program Overview

VSC310 Principles of Pathobiology

This subject provides an introduction to the study of disease processes in animals. The mechanisms by which infectious and non-infectious agents cause developmental, degenerative, circulatory, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases in animals will be studied. Genetic, microbial, parasitic, immunological, metabolic, nutritional, and toxic causes of disease will be considered. Students will be introduced to the host defence and immune system and will develop the descriptive skills necessary in gross and microscopic pathology.

Subject Information

• Grading System: HD/FL
• Duration: One session
• School: School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
• Enrolment Restrictions: Restricted to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Veterinary Science, Bachelor of Veterinary Biology, Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science, and Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
• Prerequisites: VSC223 and VSC227

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to describe, using appropriate examples, disease processes in animals including the mechanism of entry of aetiological agents, cell injury, circulatory disturbances, inflammation, repair and regeneration, and host defence mechanisms
• be able to recognise bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and parasites, explain the importance of the host-pathogen-environment relationship in the disease process
• be able to describe the key morphological features of the major classes of microbial agents and parasites
• be able to use examples to outline the importance of how life cycles are relevant to the epidemiology of key classes of parasites
• be able to summarise the important mechanisms that result in neoplastic and developmental disorders
• be able to observe, recognise, and describe normal and abnormal gross and histological specimens from different organs and tissues
• be able to write, using correct scientific terminology, accurate gross and histopathological descriptions and reports

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• Pathological processes
• Aetiological agents
• Cell injury and adaptation or death, inflammation, repair and regeneration with some emphasis on the process of wound healing and species variation (e.g., proud flesh in horses)
• Host-pathogen-environment relationship
• Neoplastic disorders
• Developmental disorders
• Normal and abnormal macroscopic and microscopic cells, tissues, and organs of the different body systems
• Sampling techniques: biopsies, needle aspirates, tissue collection
• Slide preparation and staining techniques

Availability

• Session: Session 1 (30)
• Location: On Campus, Wagga Wagga Campus

This subject is a key component of the Bachelor of Veterinary Biology, Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science, and Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) Degree.