Clinical Biochemistry and Cellular Pathology

This module is formulated to enhance knowledge and understanding of the cellular, tissue and molecular bases of disease and dysfunction in humans. It considers general processes and approaches available for diagnosis and monitoring, and then focuses on selected pathologies in an integrative (i.e. pathogenesis, diagnosis/monitoring, clinical consequences, etc) context. Through engaging with this module you will develop the Intellectual, Professional, and Digital Abertay Attributes. In particular: * Master their subject, understand how it is evolving, appreciate the importance of interdisciplinarity and recognise how what has been learned can be applied. * Understand how knowledge is generated, processed and disseminated, and actively apply knowledge in order to recognise problems and solutions. * Be able to critically and rigorously evaluate information, and tackle uncertainty and information gaps with confidence and self-awareness. * Be equipped and motivated to continue learning and professional development throughout their careers. * Be prepared for the world of work and understand the likely impact of digital technology in their chosen subject and across contexts. * Be equipped for workforce transitions and lifelong learning, including the ability to learn online.

By the end of this module the student should be able to:

1. Evaluate the practical and theoretical basis of core and emerging techniques (including near-patient tests and sampling) and technologies of histo-/cytopathology and clinical biochemistry.
2. Relate the fundamental principles of pathology to the categorisation and evaluation of disease states.
3. Critically appraise the major mechanisms and clinical sequelae of selected conditions or pathologies.
4. Critically analyse relationships between cell/molecular changes and the main associated diseases associated within selected body systems.
5. Relate the pathogenesis and clinical profiles of major biochemical dyfunctions/diseases to their diagnostic tests and clinical management (Ex. Diabetes, liver/kidney, electrolyte imbalances)
6. Critically analyse and discuss the results of practical experiments in areas related to histopathology and clinical biochemistry.

1 Basic Principles of Pathology

Structural-functional correlations, signs, symptoms and syndromes; pathological terms and terminology; organisation of pathology services. The role and future of molecular pathology. The vital role of imaging in pathology.

2 Core Techniques in Clinical Biochemistry

Introduction: Range of diagnostic, monitoring and screening tests; basics of test design, sample handling and test interpretation. Evaluation of analytes in selected specific conditions (diseases and dysfunctions) eg. carbohydrate and lipid disorders, and for specific organ/system functions eg. liver, kidney, heart. Water, electrolytes and acid-base balance. Tumour markers. Near-patient testing. Therapeutic drug monitoring and investigation of substance abuse.

3 Core Techniques in Cytopathology and Histopathology

Histotechnique: Types of microscopy and applications in cyto-/histopathology; preparation of cells and tissues; microtomy, cryomicrotomy and ultramicrotomy; range of routine and special stains; practical challenges of staining; reporting procedures. Structure/ultrastructure of normal cells and tissues; structural/ultrastructural correlates of disease. Immunocytochemical approaches eg probe range, FISH. Role of imaging in pathological screening, diagnosis and monitoring.

4 Understanding Neoplasia

Distinctive characteristics of neoplasms; Benign- malignant spectrum; cancer classification systems; terminology; characteristics of cancer cells (and their use in diagnosis). Molecular pathogenesis/multi- step nature of neoplasia.Metastasis. Clinical consequences of established malignancies eg.paraneoplastic syndromes

5 Cellular Pathology: Cell Injury, Adaptation and Death

Cellular homeostasis. Dysregulation of the cell cycle, DNA damage and repair and associated diseases. Responses to injury. Necrosis and apoptosis. Patterns and types of of necrosis. Adaptive responses to injury eg. hyperplasia, atrophy,metaplasia, dysplasia (Neoplasia considered under separate heading). Abnormal deposition; calcification.

6 General Pathology: Inflammation and Repair

Acute inflammation - Sequence, vascular dimensions, mediators. Chronic inflammations. Tissue repair processes (At tissue, cellular and molecular levels). Repair of selected tissues eg. skin, bone. New developments in tissue repair. Effects of aging on repair. Immunopathological dimensions.

7 Systemic Pathology: Selected Dysfunctions

Selected systems - In-depth illustrations of the integration of (1) Cellular, molecular and systemic approaches;(2)Investigative techniques; and (3) Management of clinical consequences. Examples will be taken from: (1) Colorectal carcinomas, IBDs, stomach cancers; (2) Female reproductive cancers; (3) Hepatocellular failures and other hepatobiliary dysfunctions; and (4) Renal pathologies. [Respiratory areas expressly excluded as covered at Level 10].