1. Handbook
  2. Bachelor of Biomedicine
  3. Majors, Minors and Specialisations
  4. Pathology
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Pathology

Bachelor of BiomedicineMajorYear: 2023

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Overview

Pathology is the scientific study of the nature of disease and its causes, processes, development, and consequences. It is a branch of science where factors which influence the shift from normal to abnormal and back again are studied at every level from the whole organism to the molecule. Therefore it overlaps with a range of biomedical disciplines such as anatomy, cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, microbiology and immunology and genetics. The study of Pathology will provide students with background knowledge which will enable them to ask fundamental questions about the response of tissues and cells to injury, mechanisms of healing and the outcomes which may occur when healing is unsuccessful. Students who complete a Pathology major will study findings emerging from research laboratories which are currently investigating some of the most common and intractable diseases in our community e.g. cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, neurodegenerative disease and cancer. A Pathology major will also give students the opportunity to experience working in a team on an investigative project and enable them to develop both verbal and written communication skills.

Intended learning outcomes

Students completing this major should be able to:

  • Identify factors which influence changes from normal to abnormal structure and function at every level from organism to molecule;
  • Examine the response of tissues and cells to injury and the consequences/outcomes of these responses;
  • Explain the scientific basis of disease and relate it to the cause and consequence of injury;
  • Discuss the impact of disease on global, local and indigenous health;
  • Discuss how research from a range of disciplines informs management of disease;
  • Work in a team to investigate disease;
  • Critically evaluate the scientific method used to understand disease; and
  • Demonstrate scientific communication skills.

Last updated: 3 May 2024

Structure

50 credit points

To obtain a major in Pathology students need to complete:

Note:

Alternative subject options to make up this elective component of the major can also be taken, subject to the approval of the major coordinator

Pathology core subjects

Code Name Study period Credit Points
PATH30001 Mechanisms of Human Disease
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
PATH30002 Techniques for Investigation of Disease
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
PATH30003 Frontiers in Human Disease
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Pathology electives

Code Name Study period Credit Points
PATH30004 Advanced Investigation of Human Disease
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
BIOM30003 Biomedical Science Research Project
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (Off Campus)
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (Off Campus)
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (Off Campus)
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

OR

Level 3 subjects in Anatomy, Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology and Immunology, Pharmacology, or Physiology

Notes

A quota has been applied to a core subject and an optional subject in this major.

Last updated: 3 May 2024