Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Systems Physiopathology

Systems Physiopathology
6
13500
3
Second semester
OB
BASES OF PATHOLOGY
Main language of instruction: Spanish

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English

Teaching staff


Mrs. ACEITUNO SIERRA, Laia - laiaaceituno@uic.es

Questions will be resolved before or after class. Non-face-to-face questions they will be resolved by videoconference.

Introduction

In the event that the health authorities announce a new period of confinement due to the evolution of the health crisis caused by COVID-19, the teaching staff will promptly communicate how this may effect the teaching methodologies and activities as well as the assessment.


After learning about the anatomy and physiology of the human body, physiopathology is the science that deals with the function of the different systems in a disease situation. This subject deals intensively with the most generic aspects, emphasizing the mechanisms involved in the genesis and development of the different nosological processes.

Pre-course requirements

It is highly recommended that the student has achieved the basic competencies in general and specific anatomy of the different organs and systems, as well as in general and specific physiology. 

Objectives

  • The study of the most frequent disturbance in the structure and function of the different systems of the human body.
  • Understand the factors and mechanisms responsible for the organ/systems failure.
  • Understand the general physiological knowledge with regard to dysfunction. 
  • Understand the concepts of disease and syndrome as failures in physiological processes, with clinical expression.
  • Know and use properly the biomedical terminology.
  • Study the specific characteristics of elderly patients, as well as those who are in a terminal situation.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • Recognize the aspects that rule the pathological state and its implications at a clinical and diagnose field.
  • Identify the effects, mechanisms and manifestations of the disease on the structure and function of the human body at a molecular, cellular and tissue levels.
  • Develop the ability to search and interpret relevant data (usually within their area of study), make judgments and thoughts on relevant issues of a social, scientific or ethical field.
  • Develop the capacity for organization and planning properly.
  • Develop the ability to solve problems.
  • Develop the capacity for analysis and synthesis.
  • Understand experimental results.
  • Learn how to communicate, make presentations and write scientific papers.
  • Be able to work as a team. 
  • Think and evaluate situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
  • Have the ability to develop skills in interpersonal relationships.
  • Apply the scientific method.
  • Respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, the promotion of human rights and the values of a culture of peace and democratic values.

Learning outcomes of the subject

At the end of the course, the student:

  • Know the bases of the most prevalent human diseases. 
  • Knows the general concepts in health and disease, as well as the syndrome concept.
  • Understands the cause and general consequences of the failures of physiological processes in the cellular, tissue, and system fields.
  • Comprehends the concepts of disease and syndrome as failures in physiological processes, with clinical expression.
  • Knows the concepts of etiology, pathophysiology, pathogenesis, pathochrony, semiology and propaedeutics.
  • Knows and understands the pathophysiological mechanisms that produce the most frequent general clinical manifestations in clinical practice, such as fever, pain, or nutritional disorders.
  • Knows and relates the pathophysiological mechanisms that produce the most frequent system specific manifestations.
  • Understands the specific characteristics of elderly and/ or terminally ill patients.
  • Knows the pathophysiology of general diseases.
  • Knows and uses biomedical language.
  • Comprehends and criticizes original scientific and review articles in the field of biomedicine, and can evaluate and choose the appropriate methodological prescriptions.

Syllabus

BASIC CONCEPTS

Health and illness concept. Etiology, pathophysiology, semiology and clinical propaedeutics. Population health. Disease prevention.

Pathophysiology of shock. Mechanisms and types.

Pathophysiology of infection.

Pathophysiology of thermoregulation. Febrile syndrome.

Inflammation and disease. Inflammation as a defense mechanism.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Physical and chemical agents as a cause of disease.

Hypersensitivity disorders. Transplant immunopathology. Autoimmune disease

Pathophysiology of pain.

Palliative medicine.

Pathophysiology of ageing. Geriatric syndromes.

GENERAL PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF DISEASES AND SYNDROMES

Heart failure

Cardiomyopathy and valvular disease. Pericardial disorders.

Conduction and heart rate disorders.

Syndromes and pathologies of the respiratory system. Severe respiratory insufficiency.

Chronic respiratory failure and SAHS.

Syndromes and pathologies of the lung parenchyma and pleura.

Pulmonary circulation disorders

Syndromes and pathologies of the digestive system. Dysphagia Malabsorption and maldigestion syndromes.

Hepatobiliary and exocrine pancreas function disorders.

Liver involvement

Syndromes and pathologies of the urinary system. Renal insufficiency. Nephrotic and nephritic syndrome.

Physiopathology of water and electrolytes. Disorders of water balance, sodium and potassium balances and acid-base balance.

Syndromes and pathologies of the locomotor system.

General pathophysiology of phospho-calcium metabolism.

Pathophysiology of the granulocytic series. Splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy.

Pathophysiology of hemostasis.

Hydrocarbon metabolism disorders. Alterations in glycemic regulation.

Current conference.

Teaching and learning activities

In person



Lectures: made up of two parts of a 50-minute presentation of a theoretical topic by the teacher.

Clinical cases or case methods (CM): Approach to a real or imaginary situation. Students work on the questions formulated in small groups or in interaction with the teacher and the answers are discussed. The teacher participates actively and, if necessary, contributes with new knowledge.

Virtual Education (VE): Online material that the student can consult from any computer, at any time which will contribute to self-learning of concepts related to the subject.

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



Students in the first sitting:

  • Resolution of clinical cases 15%
  • Midterm exam: 25%
  • Final exam: 60%

The teaching staff reserves up to 10% of the grade to be awarded for subjective arguments such as: involvement, participation, respect for basic rules, etc.

Students in the second sitting: same criteria as in the first sitting.

Students resitting: the grade for the continuous assessment (participation, case methods) will be saved, although, whenever they wish, students will be able to repeat class attendance and obtain a new grade. The initial grade will not be saved.

General points to bear in mind about the evaluation system:

  1. In the final exam, a minimum grade of 5 must be obtained to be able to make an average with the continuous assessment marks (case methods, attitude and partial). The exams will be multiple choice with 4 answer options, counting +1 for correct answers and -0.25 for errors. .
  2. 10% of the exam questions could be about concepts that have not been explained directly in class but that are present in the recommended bibliography as well as in discussed articles, press or recommended virtual material.
  3. Class attendance:
    • Regular attendance at theory and case methods classes is recommended.
    • Attendance at the lectures is not compulsory but the attendees must be governed by the rules indicated by the teachers. The expulsion of the student will have a negative impact.
    • Attendance at case methods is optional. In order to be evaluated for this part of the course, it is mandatory to attend a minimum of 8 sessions and carry out the activities proposed in the session.
  4. In the granting of honors, the candidates will earn special consideration for their participation and involvement in the different methodologies of the subject, as well as respect for the basic rules.
  5. The improper use of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets or laptops can lead to expulsion from class. Misuse is understood to be the recording and dissemination of either the students or teachers during the different lessons, as well as the use of these devices for recreational and non-educational purposes.  

Bibliography and resources

Main reference books:

  • PORTH. Fisiopatologia. Alteraciones de la salud. Conceptos básicos. Sheila Grossman. Ed. Walters-Kluwer
  • LANGE. Fisiopatología de la enfermedad. Hammer D. Gary.  8ª Edición.Ed. McGraw-Hill
  • Patología General (Pérez Arellano JL), ELSEVIER MASSON.
  • Fisiología (Guyton AC, Hall JE), de McGraw-Hill Interamericana.
  • Patología General. Semiología Clínica y Fisiopatología  (García-Conde  J,  Merino  J, González J), de McGraw-Hill, Interamericana.
  • Essentials of Pathophysiology (Kaufman CE, McKee PA). Little, Brown & Company.
  • Fisiología Humana (Tresguerres JAF), McGraw-Hill Interamericana.Main reference books:

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
  • E1 25/05/2021 I3 18:00h
  • E2 22/06/2021 14:00h
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