Course Syllabus

BIOL 2650 Pathophysiology

Course Description

The study of pathophysiology is the study of the dynamic changes in cell and organ function that occur in injury and disease. This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts of pathophysiology. The focus of this course will be the abnormal functioning of diseased organs as well as gross and microscopic characteristics of diseased tissue. Epidemiology and clinical manifestations are integrated throughout the course. Students will briefly explore normal cell, organ and organ system function and use this as a basis to understand how injury and disease alter normal physiology. Prerequisites: BIOL 2320, BIOL 2420, CHEM 1110.

Justification

Biology 2650 will prepare students in the allied health care fields to understand the dynamic changes in physiology that accompany injury and disease. Pathophysiology is a prerequisite for many programs at various state colleges and universities. BIO 2650 (Pathophysiology) will be similar to the courses offered by other Utah colleges and universities: University of Utah, NURS 2270; Southern Utah State University, BIO 2170; Weber State University, HTHSCI 2230; Westminster, NURS 280.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge of Normal Physiology
   Students should demonstrate a deep understanding of normal human physiology, including the functions of various organ systems and how homeostasis is maintained.
2. Understanding of Disease Processes
   Students should be able to explain the mechanisms underlying various disease processes including cellular and molecular changes, inflammation, and resolution.
3. Identification of Risk Factors
   Students should be able to identify and describe the risk factors associated with different diseases and conditions, such as genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and environmental influences.
4. Clinical Manifestations
   Students should be able to recognize and describe the clinical manifestations of different diseases.
5. Pathophysiological Mechanisms
   Students should be able to explain the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to specific disease symptoms and outcomes.
6. Critical Thinking
   Students should develop critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate complex clinical scenarios and make appropriate connections between pathophysiological concepts and patient care.

Course Content

Course content will be covered through textbook reading assignments, handouts, lectures, class discussions, and special project(s). Students will be assessed through tests, quizzes, written assignments, projects, and class participation. The course will initially focus on a core of foundation material and pathophysiological processes that generally apply to cells, tissues, organs, and systems of the body. The remaining lectures will systematically explore the patterns of disease in the body's major organ systems. As each new organ system is encountered, lectures will begin by briefly reviewing normal anatomy and physiology necessary to understand the following discussion of the pathophysiology of that system. A person's culture, human identity, socioeconomic status, etc., all play a part in holistic care and susceptibility to disease. Care will be taken to discuss these topics sensitively while introducing the students to the complexities of working with people outside the classroom.