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

This unit provides students with an understanding of human diseases. This includes the clinical presentation, pathogenesis (mechanisms), treatment and prognosis. The unit is suitable for students interested in a career in clinical diagnostic pathology, biomedical research or preparation for postgraduate study. Topics are introduced in a lecture format and specific aspects expanded in tutorial classes. This includes discussion of the process of disease diagnosis and assessment of treatment outcome. The unit gives an overview of disease processes affecting many body systems. Students are taught by pathologists and scientists involved in diagnosis and research.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025QEII Medical CentreFace to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe the aetiology and pathological processes involved in the initiation of major human diseases; (2) outline the clinical signs and symptoms that are associated with major human diseases; (3) interpret clinical and laboratory data used in diagnosing and monitoring treatment of major human diseases; and (4) apply skills in the synthesis, critique and presentation of selected clinical and laboratory data associated with major human diseases.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) continuous assessment and (2) end of semester examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.



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

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Sonia Fernandez
Unit rules
Prerequisites
ANHB1102 Human Biology II: Being Human (ID 1120)
or ANHX1102 Human Biology 2 (Being Human)
and
SCIE1106 Molecular Biology of the Cell (ID 1019)
or SCIX1106 Molecular Biology of the Cell
or
IMED1001 Form and Function (ID 5965)
and IMED1002 The Facts of Life (ID 5966)
Incompatibility
PATH2299 Special Unit: Fundamentals of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
or PATH2201 Introduction to Human Disease
Advisable prior study
for pre-2012 courses: SCIE1106 Molecular Biology of the Cell
Contact hours
lectures: 3 hours per week
tutorial: 2 hours per week
Texts

The following textbooks complement the lecture material and will be a valuable educational resource.

Pathology at a Glance – C. Finlayson & B. Newell, 1st Ed. Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Immunology at a Glance – J.H.L Playfair and B .M. Chain, 10th Ed. Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Haematology at a Glance – A. Mehta and V. Hoffbrand, 4th Ed. Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Medical Genetics at a Glance – D.J. Pritchard and B.R. Korf, 3rd Ed. Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

  • 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.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • 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.