Cell Pathology

Cell pathology is the study of disease by the techniques used in modern cell biology. The aim is to understand how cellular and molecular mechanisms interact during disease processes. Cell pathology is also an introduction to the world of biomedical research. By studying scientific papers, and discussing them in tutorials, students discover the scientific approach to a problem.

Students study various experimental approaches and learn to criticise assumptions made by the great experimenters while investigating the milestones of scientific discovery. During the experimental component of the course students learn to apply this knowledge. Some experiments carried out during the course are closely modelled on certain classic studies that significantly advanced scientific knowledge. Others are related to the current research interests of departmental staff, and may never have been carried out before.

www.pathology.usyd.edu.au

How do I study Cell Pathology?

Cell pathology is offered as an option in the third year of the Science, Medical Science and Liberal Studies degrees. Students attend a combination of small group tutorials and practical classes based around diseased organs preserved in bottles and on microscopic slides.

What will you study?

The course emphasises mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, including the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie cancer, inflammatory and infectious diseases. These pathological mechanisms are illustrated by considering specific diseases in a range of systems, including the neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and gastrointestinal systems.

Who might find cell pathology interesting?

This course would be appropriate for those students who intend to proceed to Honours research, to professional degrees such as medicine, dentistry or physiotherapy or to careers in biomedical research areas such as hospital science. It fulfils the Pathology requirements of the Centre for Chiropractic at Macquarie University.