Pathology - Syllabus
Pathology - Syllabus
Completion requirements
**Course Syllabus: Pathology (STEP1 Exam Preparation)**
**COURSE INFORMATION**
* Course Title: Pathology for Medical Students
* Course Code: MED 430
* Credit Hours: 3.0
* Prerequisites: Anatomy and Physiology, Biochemistry
* Instructor Information:
+ Name: Dr. Jane Smith
+ Qualifications: MD, PhD, Board Certified in Pathology
+ Contact Information: [jane.smith@university.edu](mailto:jane.smith@university.edu)
**COURSE DESCRIPTION**
This course is designed to prepare medical students for the STEP1 exam by providing a comprehensive review of pathology principles and concepts. Students will learn about the structure and function of the body's systems, diseases, and diagnostic techniques in pathology. Through lectures, discussions, and case studies, students will develop a deep understanding of the subject matter and be able to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
The course is targeted at medical students who are preparing for the STEP1 exam and want to gain a solid foundation in pathology. The course is relevant to medical practice as it provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose and manage diseases effectively.
**LEARNING OBJECTIVES**
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
* Understand the structure and function of the body's systems (Bloom's Taxonomy: Understand)
* Apply diagnostic techniques in pathology (Bloom's Taxonomy: Apply)
* Analyze case studies and arrive at a diagnosis (Bloom's Taxonomy: Analyze)
* Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment options (Bloom's Taxonomy: Evaluate)
Specific learning objectives:
1. Identify and describe the normal histology and cell biology of the body's systems.
2. Explain the causes, mechanisms, and consequences of various diseases and disorders in different systems.
3. Apply diagnostic techniques such as microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and molecular diagnostics to arrive at a diagnosis.
4. Analyze case studies and arrive at a diagnosis using evidence-based medicine.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment options for different diseases and disorders.
6. Understand the principles of histopathology and cytology.
7. Describe the normal physiology of the body's systems.
8. Explain the causes, mechanisms, and consequences of various infections and inflammatory conditions.
9. Apply molecular diagnostics techniques such as PCR and sequencing to diagnose genetic disorders.
10. Evaluate the role of pathology in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
**COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE**
Week 1: Introduction to Pathology
* Overview of the field of pathology
* History of pathology
* Branches of pathology (anatomic, clinical, forensic)
* Estimated hours: 2 hours
Week 2-3: Histopathology and Cytology
* Normal histology and cell biology
* Principles of histopathology and cytology
* Estimating diagnosis using histological features
* Estimated hours: 4 hours
Week 4-5: Molecular Pathology
* Principles of molecular diagnostics
* Techniques such as PCR, sequencing, and next-generation sequencing
* Applications in cancer diagnosis and treatment
* Estimated hours: 4 hours
Week 6-7: Infections and Inflammatory Conditions
* Causes, mechanisms, and consequences of various infections and inflammatory conditions
* Diagnostic techniques for infections and inflammatory conditions
* Estimating diagnosis using clinical features and laboratory tests
* Estimated hours: 4 hours
Week 8-9: Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
* Principles of cancer diagnosis and treatment
* Techniques such as immunohistochemistry and molecular diagnostics
* Applications in cancer therapy
* Estimated hours: 4 hours
Week 10-11: Forensic Pathology
* Principles of forensic pathology
* Diagnostic techniques for forensic cases
* Estimating diagnosis using clinical features and laboratory tests
* Estimated hours: 4 hours
Week 12: Review and Practice Exams
* Review of key concepts and case studies
* Practice exams to simulate STEP1 exam format
* Estimated hours: 2 hours
**REQUIRED READINGS & RESOURCES**
Textbooks:
* Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease (10th ed.)
* Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics (20th ed.)
* Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine (19th ed.)
Journal Articles:
* Journal of Clinical Pathology
* American Journal of Pathology
* Modern Pathology
Online Resources:
* National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity
Reference Materials:
* American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) guidelines for laboratory testing
* College of American Pathologists (CAP) guidelines for histopathology and cytology
**ASSESSMENT & GRADING**
Assessment Breakdown:
* Exams: 60%
* Assignments: 20%
* Participation: 10%
* Quizzes: 10%
Grading Scale:
A (90-100%): Excellent
B (80-89%): Good
C (70-79%): Fair
D (60-69%): Poor
F (Below 60%): Failing
**COURSE SCHEDULE**
Week 1: Introduction to Pathology
* Friday, January 3rd: Welcome and overview of the course
Weeks 2-3: Histopathology and Cytology
* Monday, January 6th - Wednesday, January 8th: Lecture and discussion
* Friday, January 10th: Practice quiz
Weeks 4-5: Molecular Pathology
* Monday, January 13th - Wednesday, January 15th: Lecture and discussion
* Friday, January 17th: Practice quiz
Weeks 6-7: Infections and Inflammatory Conditions
* Monday, January 20th - Wednesday, January 22nd: Lecture and discussion
* Friday, January 24th: Practice quiz
Weeks 8-9: Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
* Monday, January 27th - Wednesday, January 29th: Lecture and discussion
* Friday, January 31st: Practice quiz
Weeks 10-11: Forensic Pathology
* Monday, February 3rd - Wednesday, February 5th: Lecture and discussion
* Friday, February 7th: Practice quiz
Week 12: Review and Practice Exams
* Monday, February 10th - Wednesday, February 12th: Review and practice exams
* Friday, February 14th: Final review and assessment
Important Dates:
* January 3rd: First day of class
* January 10th: Practice quiz week begins
* February 14th: Last day of class
Exam Dates:
* March 1st: STEP1 exam date (tentative)
**COURSE POLICIES**
Attendance Policy:
Regular attendance and active participation in class discussions are expected. More than two unexcused absences will negatively impact your participation grade.
Academic Integrity:
Plagiarism, cheating, or other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Any instances of academic misconduct will result in a zero on the assignment and/or failure in the course.
Late Submission Policy:
Late submissions will incur a penalty of 10% per day. No late work will be accepted after 5 days.
Accommodations:
If you require accommodations due to a disability, please contact the instructor by January 1st to discuss arrangements.
Note: This syllabus is subject to change as needed.
**COURSE INFORMATION**
* Course Title: Pathology for Medical Students
* Course Code: MED 430
* Credit Hours: 3.0
* Prerequisites: Anatomy and Physiology, Biochemistry
* Instructor Information:
+ Name: Dr. Jane Smith
+ Qualifications: MD, PhD, Board Certified in Pathology
+ Contact Information: [jane.smith@university.edu](mailto:jane.smith@university.edu)
**COURSE DESCRIPTION**
This course is designed to prepare medical students for the STEP1 exam by providing a comprehensive review of pathology principles and concepts. Students will learn about the structure and function of the body's systems, diseases, and diagnostic techniques in pathology. Through lectures, discussions, and case studies, students will develop a deep understanding of the subject matter and be able to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
The course is targeted at medical students who are preparing for the STEP1 exam and want to gain a solid foundation in pathology. The course is relevant to medical practice as it provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose and manage diseases effectively.
**LEARNING OBJECTIVES**
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
* Understand the structure and function of the body's systems (Bloom's Taxonomy: Understand)
* Apply diagnostic techniques in pathology (Bloom's Taxonomy: Apply)
* Analyze case studies and arrive at a diagnosis (Bloom's Taxonomy: Analyze)
* Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment options (Bloom's Taxonomy: Evaluate)
Specific learning objectives:
1. Identify and describe the normal histology and cell biology of the body's systems.
2. Explain the causes, mechanisms, and consequences of various diseases and disorders in different systems.
3. Apply diagnostic techniques such as microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and molecular diagnostics to arrive at a diagnosis.
4. Analyze case studies and arrive at a diagnosis using evidence-based medicine.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment options for different diseases and disorders.
6. Understand the principles of histopathology and cytology.
7. Describe the normal physiology of the body's systems.
8. Explain the causes, mechanisms, and consequences of various infections and inflammatory conditions.
9. Apply molecular diagnostics techniques such as PCR and sequencing to diagnose genetic disorders.
10. Evaluate the role of pathology in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
**COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE**
Week 1: Introduction to Pathology
* Overview of the field of pathology
* History of pathology
* Branches of pathology (anatomic, clinical, forensic)
* Estimated hours: 2 hours
Week 2-3: Histopathology and Cytology
* Normal histology and cell biology
* Principles of histopathology and cytology
* Estimating diagnosis using histological features
* Estimated hours: 4 hours
Week 4-5: Molecular Pathology
* Principles of molecular diagnostics
* Techniques such as PCR, sequencing, and next-generation sequencing
* Applications in cancer diagnosis and treatment
* Estimated hours: 4 hours
Week 6-7: Infections and Inflammatory Conditions
* Causes, mechanisms, and consequences of various infections and inflammatory conditions
* Diagnostic techniques for infections and inflammatory conditions
* Estimating diagnosis using clinical features and laboratory tests
* Estimated hours: 4 hours
Week 8-9: Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
* Principles of cancer diagnosis and treatment
* Techniques such as immunohistochemistry and molecular diagnostics
* Applications in cancer therapy
* Estimated hours: 4 hours
Week 10-11: Forensic Pathology
* Principles of forensic pathology
* Diagnostic techniques for forensic cases
* Estimating diagnosis using clinical features and laboratory tests
* Estimated hours: 4 hours
Week 12: Review and Practice Exams
* Review of key concepts and case studies
* Practice exams to simulate STEP1 exam format
* Estimated hours: 2 hours
**REQUIRED READINGS & RESOURCES**
Textbooks:
* Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease (10th ed.)
* Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics (20th ed.)
* Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine (19th ed.)
Journal Articles:
* Journal of Clinical Pathology
* American Journal of Pathology
* Modern Pathology
Online Resources:
* National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity
Reference Materials:
* American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) guidelines for laboratory testing
* College of American Pathologists (CAP) guidelines for histopathology and cytology
**ASSESSMENT & GRADING**
Assessment Breakdown:
* Exams: 60%
* Assignments: 20%
* Participation: 10%
* Quizzes: 10%
Grading Scale:
A (90-100%): Excellent
B (80-89%): Good
C (70-79%): Fair
D (60-69%): Poor
F (Below 60%): Failing
**COURSE SCHEDULE**
Week 1: Introduction to Pathology
* Friday, January 3rd: Welcome and overview of the course
Weeks 2-3: Histopathology and Cytology
* Monday, January 6th - Wednesday, January 8th: Lecture and discussion
* Friday, January 10th: Practice quiz
Weeks 4-5: Molecular Pathology
* Monday, January 13th - Wednesday, January 15th: Lecture and discussion
* Friday, January 17th: Practice quiz
Weeks 6-7: Infections and Inflammatory Conditions
* Monday, January 20th - Wednesday, January 22nd: Lecture and discussion
* Friday, January 24th: Practice quiz
Weeks 8-9: Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
* Monday, January 27th - Wednesday, January 29th: Lecture and discussion
* Friday, January 31st: Practice quiz
Weeks 10-11: Forensic Pathology
* Monday, February 3rd - Wednesday, February 5th: Lecture and discussion
* Friday, February 7th: Practice quiz
Week 12: Review and Practice Exams
* Monday, February 10th - Wednesday, February 12th: Review and practice exams
* Friday, February 14th: Final review and assessment
Important Dates:
* January 3rd: First day of class
* January 10th: Practice quiz week begins
* February 14th: Last day of class
Exam Dates:
* March 1st: STEP1 exam date (tentative)
**COURSE POLICIES**
Attendance Policy:
Regular attendance and active participation in class discussions are expected. More than two unexcused absences will negatively impact your participation grade.
Academic Integrity:
Plagiarism, cheating, or other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Any instances of academic misconduct will result in a zero on the assignment and/or failure in the course.
Late Submission Policy:
Late submissions will incur a penalty of 10% per day. No late work will be accepted after 5 days.
Accommodations:
If you require accommodations due to a disability, please contact the instructor by January 1st to discuss arrangements.
Note: This syllabus is subject to change as needed.
Last modified: Sunday, 9 November 2025, 5:47 PM