B8781 - Genaral Pathology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student understands the fundamental pathological processes of cells and tissues, with particular reference to molecular-based pathogenic mechanisms and the etiology of degenerative, necrotic, inflammatory, circulatory, and neoplastic processes, all integrated with animal biology; and is able to recognize and describe a lesion, distinguishing normal from pathological tissues under the light microscope.

Course contents

The course is organized as follows:

Theoretical Lectures General Veterinary Pathology (18 hours)

• Course introduction: learning objectives and expected outcomes; study materials; examination procedures. Acute cell injury, cellular atrophy, and cellular degeneration (3 hours)
• Connective tissue degeneration (2 hours)
• Types of cell death (4 hours)
• Acute and chronic inflammation (4 hours)
• Tissue regeneration and repair (1 hour)
• Type I, II, III, and IV hypersensitivity reactions and transplantation (4 hours)

Molecular Oncogenesis (14 hours)

• Definition and classification of tumors; differences between benign and malignant neoplasms; local invasion; pathways of metastatic spread (2 hours)
• Molecular basis of cancer (6 hours)
• Chemical, radiation-induced, and microorganism-associated carcinogenesis (4 hours)
• Clinical features of tumors: effects of neoplasms on the host, tumor grading and staging, laboratory diagnosis of cancer (2 hours)

Practical Sessions (32 hours)

Laboratory exercises using light microscopy and histological slides, as well as classroom activities involving digital slides and group work.

The course coordinator responsible for recording grades is Prof. Barbara Brunetti.

Students who do not attend classes are advised to study the same topics using the recommended textbooks.

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching materials

Lecture materials provided by the instructor are available on the University's Virtual Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it [https://virtuale.unibo.it/] ). These materials are essential but not sufficient on their own and should be integrated with the explanations provided during lectures.

General Pathology and Molecular Oncogenesis

Required textbooks (particularly for non-attending students):

• Kumar V., Abbas A.K., Aster J.C. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th Edition, 2020 (Elsevier Saunders, Philadelphia).
• Stevens A., Lowe J.S., Young B. Wheater's Basic Histopathology: A Colour Atlas and Text, 3rd Edition, 2004 (Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milan).
• Zachary J.F., McGavin M.D. Pathologic Basis of Veterinary Disease, 6th Edition, 2016 (Mosby Elsevier, St. Louis, Missouri, USA).

Teaching methods

The course consists of 32 hours of lectures and 32 hours of practical laboratory sessions.

Lectures are delivered in the classroom using computer-assisted presentations and multimedia projection. A digital image database (Noah's Arkive) is used to display both gross and microscopic pathological lesions. Numerous educational YouTube videos are also incorporated into the lectures. Since these videos are in English, they not only reinforce visual learning through animations but also help students improve their English-language comprehension.

Practical classes are conducted in a laboratory equipped with light microscopes and a teaching microscope connected to a video camera and projector, allowing interactive discussion of histological slides. For each slide, students receive a descriptive guide, and instructors are available to provide explanations as needed.

Students also have access to the digital slide repository:

https://unibo.smartzoom.com/s1241/login?redirect_to=https://unibo.smartzoom.com/s1241/

where scanned versions of the slides used during laboratory sessions are uploaded. Students may access these materials at any time using their University of Bologna credentials.

Given the nature of the teaching activities, all students are required to complete Modules 1 and 2 of the University's online safety training and attend (or successfully complete) Module 3, which covers health and safety in educational environments. Information regarding dates and attendance procedures for Module 3 is available on the Degree Programme website.

For participation in laboratory activities, students are required to wear a laboratory coat and appropriate footwear. Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided when required.

The practical sessions pursue two main objectives:

• to develop students' proficiency in the use of the light microscope as a fundamental professional skill;
• to develop students' ability to identify organs and pathological lesions and describe histological findings using appropriate scientific terminology, thereby strengthening both diagnostic and communication skills.

Assessment methods

Assessment consists of a practical examination followed by an oral examination.

The practical examination requires students to identify a histological slide (either normal or pathological tissue). Passing the practical examination is a prerequisite for admission to the oral examination.

The oral examination consists of at least three theoretical questions, answered orally, and lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Attending lectures and actively participating in class discussions is strongly recommended, as it facilitates understanding of the course material.

No written assignments are required.

Final grades are awarded on the Italian scale from 18/30 to 30/30 cum laude (30L).

To pass the examination, students must:

• first pass the practical examination;
• then provide satisfactory answers to all three oral questions, or answer two of the three questions exceptionally well.

Grading Criteria

• 18–22: Knowledge limited to a small number of course topics; analytical ability demonstrated only with substantial guidance from the instructor; generally correct use of terminology.
• 23–26: Knowledge of a limited range of course topics; ability to perform independent analysis only in straightforward situations; correct use of scientific language.
• 27–29: Broad knowledge of course topics; ability to perform independent critical analysis; good command of discipline-specific terminology.
• 30–30 cum laude: Comprehensive knowledge of course topics; excellent ability to perform independent critical analysis and establish interdisciplinary connections; complete mastery of technical terminology, strong reasoning skills, and capacity for critical reflection.

Students are informed of the oral examination result immediately after the interview.

A minimum score of 18/30 is required to pass.

An unsuccessful examination does not result in a numerical grade but is recorded as withdrawn or failed in the AlmaEsami electronic register and therefore does not affect the student's academic record.

Grades for individual assessments and the final examination are published on AlmaEsami (https://almaesami.unibo.it/ ) within five working days after the examination.

Students may reject the final grade once by notifying the course coordinator via email within five working days.

The course coordinator responsible for recording grades is Prof. Barbara Brunetti.

Students register for examinations through AlmaEsami (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). Examination sessions are scheduled according to the academic calendar, while additional sessions are reserved for students beyond the standard duration of the degree programme.

Students with Disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students with permanent or temporary disabilities or specific learning disorders are encouraged to contact the University's dedicated support office in advance:

https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti

Appropriate accommodations may be proposed and must be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days before the examination, taking into account the learning objectives of the course.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is prohibited in all assessments. Any use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

• Computer
• Multimedia projector connected to a teaching microscope
• Educational YouTube videos
• Specialized educational websites

Students experiencing difficulties with the course material are welcome to arrange an individual appointment with the instructor via email.

Office hours

See the website of Barbara Brunetti