• BIOL2014
• Pathophysiology

In this module learners will build on their knowledge of immunology and physiology and be introduced to the biological basis of disease. The learner will be able to describe the cellular, immunological and physiological disturbances in diseases, including endocrine disorders, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, cancer, neuromuscular and skeletal systems disorders. Immune mechanisms in health and disease will be covered, with particular emphasis on the GI tract.

Lectures
The module will begin with an introduction to the cause of disease: genetic, congenital and acquired aspects. Aetiology and influence of patient factors will also be outlined.
- Cardiovascular system: Chronic cardiovascular adaptations in health & disease. Pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular insult. Relationship between metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular diagnostic tools and risk factor stratification.
- Neuromuscular and skeletal systems: Effect of ageing on autonomic & somatic reflexes. Pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Factors affecting muscle force output. Effects of chronic exercise and physical activity/inactivity on the structural and biochemical characteristics of skeletal muscle (hypertrophy v atrophy and sarcopenia). Assessment of daily habitual physical activity. Osteogenesis and fracture repair. Bone mineral density and blood calcium homeostasis. Pathophysiology of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Intervention strategies to prevent the progression of osteopenia/osteoporosis. Role of dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in disease diagnosis.
Respiratory disease: Effect of lung diseases such as COPD, Asthma, Pulmonary Fibrosis and Cystic Fibrosis. The effects of these diseases on lung function and acid base balance are covered in BIOL2804 Physiology. The aim in this module is to review the effects of these long term diseases on the health of the patient.
- Immune system (to include disease of the GI tract): Analysis of cells of the innate and specific immune responses. B cell responses and antibody structure and function; T cell responses and subsets; MHC structure, function and role in disease. Response to acute and chronic inflammation. Mucosal immunology, including immunology of the Gastrointestinal system. The immune system in disease, including: allergy and autoimmunity including inflammatory bowel disease, pernicious anaemia and coeliac disease.
- The process of neoplasia. Terminology used for naming cancers. Diseases and conditions of the GI tract including ulceration, liver cirrhosis and colorectal cancer.