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


Ms. BLANCO AREVALO, Alejandro - ablanco@uic.es

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

Introduction

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

  • CB01 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study that is based on general secondary education, and it tends to be found at a level that, although it is based on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting-edge of their field of study.
  • CB03 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) to issue judgements that include a reflection on significant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
  • CB04 - That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • CE11 - To identify the effects, mechanisms and manifestations of a disease on the structure and function of the human body at a molecular, cellular and tissue level.
  • CG02 - To be aware of the aspects that govern pathological state and its implications at a clinical and diagnostic level.
  • CG11 - To be aware of basic concepts from different fields connected to biomedical sciences.
  • CT01 - To develop the organisational and planning skills that are suitable in each moment.
  • CT02 - To develop the ability to resolve problems.
  • CT03 - To develop analytical and summarising skills.
  • CT04 - To interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
  • CT05 - To use the internet as a means of communication and a source of information.
  • CT06 - To know how to communicate, give presentations and write up scientific reports.
  • CT07 - To be capable of working in a team.
  • CT08 - To reason and evaluate situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
  • CT09 - To have the ability to develop interpersonal skills.
  • CT10 - To be capable of autonomous learning.
  • CT11 - To apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
  • CT12 - To apply scientific method.
  • CT13 - To be aware of the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and ageing.
  • CT14 - To respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values that are specific to 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

  1. Concept of health and disease.
  2. Shcok
  3. Pathophysiology of infection.
  4. Respiratory physiopathology
  5. Pathophysiology of the renal system
  6. Pathophysiology of aging.
  7. Pathophysiology of pain.
  8. Syndromes and pathologies of the digestive system
  9. Disorders of the hepato-bilio-pancreatic function
  10. Cardiovascular physiopathology
  11. Haematopoietic and coagulation physiopathology

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. The questions will be worked together with the active participation of the students. Key concepts from the topics covered in the case resolution will be reviewed

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:

  • Midterm exam: 35%
  • Final exam: 65%

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. Active participation and positive attitude will be valued. 
  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 19/05/2025 I3 18:00h
  • E2 27/06/2025 I1 16:00h
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