Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

In this unit, students gain (1) knowledge—show an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the breast and the respiratory tract, show an understanding of the clinical presentation, aetiology, pathogenesis, gross and microscopic pathology, and the use of various biopsy techniques and ancillary investigations in the diagnosis of the main disease processes in the breast including breast carcinoma, benign breast neoplasms and fibrocystic change, show similar understanding of the main diseases in the lower respiratory tract including benign and malignant disease processes, inflammatory and infective diseases and other processes commonly leading to needle biopsy, endoscopic or surgical biopsy; and (2) practical expertise—demonstrate expertise in the macroscopic description and preparation or processing of breast tissue removed for diagnosis or treatment, including needle biopsy, wide local excision, mastectomy specimens, lymph node sampling or block dissections. This includes practical skills in gross and microscopic imaging, data storage and transfer, tissue selection for diagnosis and prognostic assessment for cancers and for any ancillary techniques needed for further assessment including immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, molecular pathology and image analysis; and similar expertise for respiratory tract material received for histological diagnosis or as part of treatment including endoscopic, needle biopsy, wedge biopsy or major lung resection specimens.

Credit
6 points
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) understand the pathogenesis, morphology and clinical laboratory manifestations of disease processes at organ and whole-body level; (2) accurately observe, describe and interpret diseased tissue; (3) describe the significance of tissue morphology in recognising disease processes; (4) surgically dissect tissue specimens and select representative portions for microscopic analyis; (5) describe various structural lesions in the samples provided and discuss the pathogenetic processes present and wherever possible arrive at a diagnosis; (6) correlate patient clinical history with observations of the diseased tissue; (7) interpret and apply the principles of the scientific evidence base of medicine; and (8) be aware of the limitations of one’s own knowledge and the ability and desire to seek additional information.

Assessment

This comprises a 30-minute mutiple-choice questions test—30 questions including 10 image-based questions (20 per cent); five short-answer questions (30 minutes) (20 per cent); a practical examination (50 per cent); and an oral examination (10 per cent).



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Liam O'Connor
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.