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Course Syllabus

Course: BIOL 2650

Division: Natural Science and Math
Department: Biology
Title: Pathophysiology

Semester Approved: Fall 2017
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2022
End Semester: Fall 2023

Catalog 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.

Semesters Offered: Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 4; Lecture: 4; Lab: 0

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. For example, at Weber State University, Pathophysiology is a prerequisite for practical and registered nursing, dental hygiene, emergency care and rescue, medical records and respiratory therapy. BIO 2650 (Pathophysiology) will be similar to the following 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:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: explain the processes involved in inflammation and fever; explain the fundamentals of immunity and diseases of immunity; recognize neoplasia (tumor formation) and explain benign versus malignant behavior; identify major blood and cardiovascular disorders and explain underlying changes in normal physiology; identify major respiratory, gastrointestinal, and renal disorders and explain underlying changes in normal physiology; explain the consequences of endocrine dysfunction; identify major skeletal and muscular disorders and changes in normal physiology; identify major central nervous system disorders, sites of lesion and explain the altered physiology; explain the physiological basis of pain and how to manage it; identify wound types and explain factors affecting their production. 


Content:
Course content will be covered through reading assignments in the textbooks, handouts, lecture, class discussion, 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 apply to cells, tissues, organs, and systems of the body generally; 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 pathophysiology pertaining to that system; Brief Lecture outline: Introduction and General Principles; General Principles; Cell and Tissue Biology and Pathophysiology; Fluid and Electrolytes Alterations; Genetic Disorders; Inflammation and Stress; Immunity and Hypersensitivity; Cancer and Metastasis; Pathophysiology of the Nervous System; Pathophysiology of the Endocrine System; Hematology and Pathophysiology of Blood; Pathophysiology of the Cardiovascular System; Pathophysiology of the Respiratory System; Pathophysiology of the Urinary System; Pathophysiology of the Reproductive System; Pathophysiology of the Digestive System; Pathophysiology of the Musculoskeletal System; Pathophysiology of the Integumentary System

Key Performance Indicators:
chapter tests: 40-50% 

final exam: 20-30%. 

Quizzes 10-20% 

Projects 10-20% 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Sue E. Huether and Kathryn L. McCance, Understanding Pathophysiology, current edition, Mosby, St. Louis, MO; Carie A. Braun, Pathophysiology: A Clinical Approach 2nd Edition, LWW, Baltimore, MD.


Pedagogy Statement:


Maximum Class Size: 24
Optimum Class Size: 15