B9286 - IMMUNOPATOLOGIA E ONCOLOGIA VETERINARIA

Learning outcomes

He/she knows the underlying tissue damage mechanisms at the base of hypersensitivity reactions and transplant rejection, the mechanisms by which materialise autoimmune diseases and immunodeficiencies, and the development of tumors (morphology, invasiveness, metastasis) and the pathogenetic mechanism of neoplastic transformation. Is able to recognise the main tumor types on histological preparations.

Course contents

This course is part of the integrated course “GENERAL PATHOLOGY OF SPECIES OF VETERINARY INTEREST (C.I.)”.

Upon completion of the integrated course, students will know and understand the main pathogenetic mechanisms underlying functional and morphological alterations in the animal organism, with particular reference to degenerative, inflammatory, immunopathological, and neoplastic processes, as well as the pathophysiology of the major organ systems.

Students will acquire knowledge regarding the terminology and pathogenesis of atrophy, degeneration, apoptosis, necrosis, and inflammation; the mechanisms of tissue damage in hypersensitivity reactions, transplant rejection, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiencies; and the general biology of neoplasms, including morphology, invasiveness, metastasis, and neoplastic transformation.

Students also acquire practical skills in the fields of general pathology, oncology, and veterinary clinical biochemistry. Students are able to apply the general concepts acquired to the pathophysiology of the body’s systems, recognize the main degenerative, inflammatory, and neoplastic lesions through histological specimens, correctly use the main analytical methods for the analysis of biomarkers in serum, plasma, and urine, and read, write, and interpret a clinical biochemistry report, drawing from it information useful for the diagnosis and prognosis of the most common veterinary diseases.

The Integrated Course “GENERAL PATHOLOGY OF SPECIES OF VETERINARY INTEREST (C.I.)” contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.22: Collect, preserve, and transport samples; select appropriate diagnostic tests; interpret and understand the limitations of the test results. 1:23 Communicate clearly and collaborate with referral and diagnostic services, including

providing an appropriate history.

SPECIFIC COURSE PREREQUISITES:

For a better understanding of the course content, it is recommended that students have already acquired knowledge related to the integrated course B9087 “THE CELL AND ITS FUNCTIONS (C.I.)”

SPECIFIC COURSE CONTENT:

B9286 - VETERINARY IMMUNOPATHOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY

The program is structured as follows:

Theoretical lectures (16 hours):

• General oncology, classification of tumors, macroscopic and microscopic differences between benign and malignant neoplasms, invasion, and metastatic pathways (3 hours)

• Key alterations involved in malignant neoplastic transformation (7 hours)

• Clinical manifestations of a tumor, tumor grading and staging, laboratory diagnosis. (1 hour)

• Immunopathology, immunodeficiency syndromes, autoimmune diseases (1 hour)

• Type I, II, III, and IV hypersensitivity reactions, transplant rejection (4 hours).

Practical Sessions/Laboratories (16 hours):

• Classroom exercises using digitized slides of neoplasms

Readings/Bibliography

The course materials are available on the Virtual Platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/).

Required Reading: (optional)

(available in the library)

• Kumar V., Abbas A.K., Aster J.C. Robbins and Cotran: Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed., 2020 (Elsevier Saunders, Philadelphia).

• Stevens A., Lowe J.S., Young B.: Wheater’s Essential Histopathology—Text and Atlas. 3rd ed., 2004 (Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milan)

• Zachary J.F., McGavin M.D.: Pathologic Basis of Veterinary Disease, 6th ed., 2016 (Mosby Elsevier, St. Louis, Missouri, USA).

Teaching methods

The course consists of theoretical lectures (16 hours) and in-class exercises (4 x 4 hours);

Given the types of activities and teaching methods used, enrollment in this course requires successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning, as well as successful completion of Module 3, which covers specific training on health and safety in academic settings. Information on the dates and attendance requirements for Module 3 can be found in the relevant section of the degree program’s website.

To participate in practical and laboratory activities, students must wear a lab coat and appropriate footwear. Personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the specific activities will be provided, such as disposable latex gloves.

Attendance will be tracked via the rps.unibo.it system. To be eligible for the exam, students must have a minimum attendance rate of 60% for the integrated course.

Assessment methods

The assessment for the General Pathology of Veterinary Species (Integrated Course) consists of two parts: a practical examination and a written examination covering Immunopathology and General Oncology, General Pathology and Pathophysiology of Domestic Animals, and Clinical Biochemistry. The two parts are held separately. Students must pass the practical examination before being admitted to the written examination. The practical examination is generally scheduled 1–2 days before the written examination.

a) Practical Examination

The purpose of the practical examination is to assess the student's ability to recognize an organ lesion and describe it using appropriate scientific terminology, as well as to evaluate the acquisition of specific practical and communication skills.

The examination consists of the identification and description of a digital histological slide selected from those made available to students during the practical classes in General Pathology and Pathophysiology of Domestic Animals and Immunopathology and General Oncology. The slides can be accessed through the University's virtual learning environment and the following websites:

• https://unibo.smartzoom.com/

• https://www.askjpc.org/vspo/

The practical examination is considered passed when the candidate is awarded a Pass (satisfactory) assessment.

b) Written Examination

The written assessment for the integrated course consists of a multiple-choice examination comprising 100 questions covering the topics taught in all the modules of the integrated course. The purpose of the examination is to assess whether students have acquired the knowledge and competencies specified in the course learning objectives.

The examination includes:

• 60 questions in General Pathology and Pathophysiology;

• 20 questions in Immunopathology and General Oncology;

• 20 questions in Clinical Biochemistry.

Students are allowed 2 hours to complete the written examination.

Each correct answer is awarded 1 point, while incorrect or unanswered questions receive 0 points. To pass the integrated course examination, students must answer correctly at least 60% of the questions in each individual module.

During the examination, the use of supporting materials or electronic devices, including calculators, tablets, smartwatches, and computers, is not permitted, except where explicitly authorized by the instructor.

With regard to the assessment of learning, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is strictly prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

The examination is considered successfully completed only if the student obtains a passing result (minimum grade: 18/30) in all required assessment components. The final grade is calculated as the weighted average of the grades obtained in the different parts of the examination and is expressed on the Italian 30-point grading scale. A minimum final grade of 18/30 is required to pass the course.

An unsuccessful examination does not result in the assignment of a numerical grade but is recorded only as a status (Withdrawn or Failed) in the electronic examination record on AlmaEsami. Consequently, it does not affect the student's academic transcript or grade average.

The final examination grade will be published on the AlmaEsami platform (https://almaesami.unibo.it/ ) within five working days of the examination date.

Students may refuse the final grade once by notifying the course instructor responsible for recording the grade via email within five working days of publication.

The instructor responsible for recording grades for this course is Professor Luciana Mandrioli.

Students may register for examination sessions through the AlmaEsami platform (https://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). Examination sessions are scheduled within the periods established in the academic calendar. Additional examination sessions are reserved for students who are out of course (i.e., beyond the standard duration of the degree programme).

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or Temporary/Permanent Disabilities

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are strongly encouraged to contact the University's dedicated support office well in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti ).

The support office will propose any appropriate accommodations for eligible students. Any such accommodations must be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days before the examination. The instructor will evaluate their suitability in relation to the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations, videos, specialized software, in-class quizzes, Smartzoom, websites;

If students have difficulty understanding the material, the instructor is available to meet with them to clarify any questions by appointment, which can be scheduled via email.

Office hours

See the website of Barbara Brunetti