02359 - General Pathology and Physiopathology

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will have a thorough understanding of the concepts of disease etiology and pathogenesis. They will be familiar with the causes of disease processes and the pathogenic mechanisms underlying their development. Students will understand the major defense mechanisms involved in host responses to pathogens, the morphological alterations induced in cells and tissues, and their systemic and functional consequences for the organism.

Students will be able to integrate molecular, morphological, microbiological, immunological, and physiological knowledge in order to understand the etiopathogenesis of disease processes. They will be able to apply principles of pathology and pathophysiology to the critical interpretation of experimental and clinical data. Furthermore, they will understand the biological basis of the signs and symptoms of disease and will acquire the foundations necessary for evidence-based clinical practice.

Course contents

Integrated content of Module 1 and Module 2
1. Environmental pathology: excitatory and ionizing radiation, high and low temperature damage, pneumoconiosis, smoking and ethanol damage, pathogenesis of infectious diseases, endotoxins, diphtheria, choleric, tetanus, botulinum exotoxins
2. Cellular and extracellular pathology: damage-associated molecular patterns, cellular adaptations, reversible cellular damage, vacuolar degeneration and steatosis, necrosis, apoptosis, pathological calcifications, amyloidosis.
3. Phlogistic and reparative response: etiology and classification of acute inflammation, chemical mediators, vascular phenomena and exudate formation, cellular phenomena and phagocytosis, chronic and granulomatous inflammation, pathogenesis of tuberculosis, tissue repair and wound healing, sclerosis, cirrhosis.
4. General pathophysiology: hemostasis and hemorrhagic diseases, thrombosis and embolism, pathogenesis of shock and hypertension, risk factors of atherosclerosis, atheromasic plaque formation and its consequences, pathogenesis of infarction, hypoxia and cyanosis, etiopathogenesis of fever, edema and diabetes mellitus.

Readings/Bibliography

V. Kumar, A.K Abbas, J.C. Aster, A. Deyrup. “Robbins: Elementi di Patologia e di Fisiopatologia” - I Edizione, 2024, Casa Editrice Edra, Milano

V. Kumar, A.K. Abbas, J.C. Aster. “Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease”, 10^th edition, Elsevier.

F.Mainero, R. Misasi, M.Storace. “Pontieri - Patologia Generale e Fisiopatologia Generale", VI Edizione, 2019, Piccin Editore

Selected scientific papers.

Teaching methods

The course consists of 64 hours of lectures covering environmental pathology, cellular and extracellular pathology, inflammatory and reparative responses, and general pathophysiology. Teaching activities are supported by lecture slides and supplementary learning materials made available through the Virtuale online learning platform.

In addition, brief introductory quizzes will be used throughout the course to review and assess prior knowledge relevant to the topics under discussion. Guided discussions will also be incorporated to encourage active student participation, promote critical thinking on pathogenic mechanisms, and facilitate the integration of newly acquired knowledge with previously learned concepts. These activities are designed to reinforce learning, strengthen connections across different areas of the course, and foster a deeper understanding of pathophysiological processes.

Assessment methods

Verification of learning is through a single examination for the entire Integrated Course in General Pathology and Pathophysiology.

The level of learning will be tested at the end of the course. The exam includes three oral questions designed to ascertain the student's knowledge of the topics in the syllabus and his or her ability to discuss disease etiopathogenesis and general pathophysiology. One of the questions includes the observation and oral description of a microscopic preparation up to the recognition of the specific histopathological picture to test the student's learning of the General Pathology Laboratory. The coherence of the conceptual succession and the appropriateness of the scientific language are further elements of evaluation.

Registration must be compulsorily done through AlmaEsami.

Students with permanent or temporary disabilities and SLD: 

 it is advised to contact the specific University Office promptly (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it), which will assist the students who choose to apply for adaptations. The latter need to be approved by the Professor at least 15 days before the exam, taking into account the specific objectives of the course.

The use of AI is not allowed during exams. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Grading of final grade

18-20: knowledge of basic concepts without serious gaps, acceptable exposition and language.

21-25: knowledge of basic concepts without gaps, partial autonomy in the ability to analyze and connect, fair exposition and language.

26-29: good, very good or excellent level of preparation but with errors and inaccuracies, good autonomy in the ability to analyze and link, good or very good exposition and language.

30-30L: very good preparation with no inaccuracies, competent autonomy in the ability to analyze and connect, very good level of exposition and full command of the specific language.

The final grade is based on the peer evaluation of both instructors who have examined the student and is calculated as a weighted average of the theory and laboratory.

Teaching tools

Lecture slides incorporating diagrams, figures, and conceptual frameworks will be used throughout the course. All teaching materials presented during lectures will be made available in electronic format through the University of Bologna’s Virtuale e-learning platform.

Students are also encouraged to consult the learning materials and supplementary scientific literature provided by the instructor through the Virtuale platform. These resources are intended to support independent study, deepen understanding of the topics covered during the course, and facilitate preparation for the final examination.

Office hours

See the website of Giorgia Gri

See the website of Maurizio Brigotti