Having acquired sound understanding of the structure and function of the healthy human body, students are now ready to critically analyse changes that underlie, accompany, and result from various disease processes. This unit begins by introducing the molecular, cellular, and histological changes underlying the human body’s responses to pathologic stimuli, including inflammation, healing, haemodynamic and immunological derangements, and neoplasia. Students will then focus on understanding how specific organ systems respond to disease processes, with emphasis on National Health Priority areas such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, osteoporosis, and dementia. Relevant screening techniques and diagnostic protocols important for the prevention and diagnosis of these conditions will also be discussed. Successful completion of this unit permits students to progress to the later units that address pharmacological management of disease and equips them with the ability to find, critically analyse, and appraise current research aimed at finding novel ways to prevent, treat, or manage the discussed pathologies. The aim of this unit is to introduce biomedical scientists, nutrition scientists, and health care professionals to the most prevalent diseases affecting Australians.
- Teacher: Charlie Foxlee