90316 - General Pathology Lab-based Course

Learning outcomes

The students will study the morphological changes caused by the disease processes and the basic reactions to etiologic agents in cells and tissues, together with the pathogenetic mechanism of their development. This educational laboratory will enable the student to recognize the microscopic alterations in cells and tissues characteristic of the pathologic processes, by the study of general histopathology which will be hold in parallel to the course of General Pathology and Physiopathology.

Course contents

1. Cellular and extracellular pathology: reversible cell injury and fatty change, amyloidosis, necrosis and infarction.

2. Neoplastic transformation: benign tumors, malignant tumors, metastases.

3. Inflammatoryand reparative response: acute inflammation, chronic nonspecific and granulomatous inflammation, granulation tissue, sclerosis, cirrhosis.

4. Vascular disease: medial calcific artheriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, thrombosis.

Readings/Bibliography

Required Textbook

Kumar V., Abbas A.K., Aster J.C.
Robbins and Cotran – Pathologic Basis of Disease (Italian edition: Le basi patologiche delle malattie), 10th edition, Edra, 2021.

Teaching Materials

• Lecture slides available on the University of Bologna Virtual Learning Environment (Virtuale).
• Digital histopathology slides available through Smartzoom.

Further Reading

• Histopathology atlases and other recommended reference materials.

Teaching methods

The course is delivered in person. Laboratory activities consist of guided study of digital histopathological slides under the continuous supervision of the instructor. Students work in small groups on selected specimens, discussing their morphological features and their etiopathogenetic interpretation. The course also includes the analysis of anonymized histological slides, which students are required to identify and discuss with their peers. Formative assessment is carried out through quizzes, tests, and guided slide-identification exercises.

Digital learning environments used:

• Virtuale (University of Bologna)
• SmartZoom
• OlyVIA

Assessment methods

Assessment and Evaluation Methods

The assessment of learning takes place at the end of the course and includes:

Oral examination, structured in two parts:

• A theoretical discussion covering various topics from the course, with particular attention to logical coherence and the use of scientific terminology;

• Observation and description of a microscopic specimen, with identification of the pathological pattern and correlation with the underlying etiopathogenetic mechanisms.

Evaluation criteria include:

• Completeness and accuracy of theoretical knowledge;

• Ability to perform morphological analysis and etiopathogenetic reasoning;

• Clarity of expression and command of scientific terminology.

Grading scale:

• 18–20: Minimal understanding of fundamental concepts; acceptable exposition.

• 21–25: Good knowledge of course content; partially autonomous analytical ability.

• 26–29: Solid preparation; independent analysis; clear exposition with minor inaccuracies.

• 30–30 with honors: Excellent and thorough preparation; fluent and rigorous exposition; full autonomy in analysis and conceptual connections.

The final grade will be determined collectively by the faculty members of the Integrated Course of General Pathology and Physiology.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence

Assessment consists of an individual oral examination. During the examination, the use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools or any other unauthorized digital resources is not permitted.

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

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University's dedicated support service in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ) to arrange any necessary accommodations for the examination. Any requested accommodations will be evaluated and approved by the instructor, as appropriate, in accordance with the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

Smartzoom platform (digital microscopy)
Teaching slides and materials will be made available at Unibo e-learning website virtuale.unibo.it

Office hours

See the website of Massimo Bortolotti