General Pathology and Immunology

ECTS Credits

7 ects

Level of Study

Master

Teaching semester

Spring, fourth semester

Objectives and Content

The subject includes the study of disease processes in general, how they manifest in the organs, the structure, function and reaction mechanisms of the immune system, how a reduced immune response results in reduced protection against infections and can lead to tumour development and autoimmune disease, how immunological overreaction causes hypersensitivity (allergy), and how diseases can be diagnosed using common pathological methods. The immunology part emphasises basic principles, using examples from diseases and clinical symptoms that are relevant to dentists.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

The candidate should be able to explain:

• the basic biological/immunological mechanisms behind the development of disease
• the importance of the immune system to the body's defence against infection and consequences of immune failure and immunological overreaction
• diagnostic methods in pathology and immunology and be able to apply them to relevant organs and tissues in the body
• the basic morphological features (macroscopic and microscopic) of relevant disease processes

Skills

The candidate is able to:

• identify pathological changes in an organ
• use a microscope in immunological examinations

Attitudes

The candidate shall:

• develop respect for the human body
• develop respect for patients' diseases
• understand the importance of the duty of confidentiality regarding the patient's anamnesis
• view the oral cavity as part of the body
• develop curiosity about mechanisms behind the development of disease

Required Previous Knowledge

Passed third semester in Master of Dentistry

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

OD2PATI 7 ects

Access to the Course

Master of Dentistry

Teaching and learning methods

• Regular lectures (Pathology and Immunology)
• In pathology, courses in histopathological analysis of tissue sections will be performed mainly by using digital scanned sections (virtual microscopy) in addition to traditional microscopes.
• Demonstrations from autopsy material (organs)
• Laboratory course in Immunology

Teaching Methods and Extent of Organized Teaching

Tuition includes lectures, demonstrations and a microscopy course as well as a laboratory course in immunology for which a record must be submitted for approval by the subject teacher.

Learning materials will be made available on the student portal. Two-way communication between teacher and students will take place via the student portal.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Pathology: Course in microscopy and autopsy demonstrations are mandatory

Immunology: Laboratory course in immunology is mandatory. Lab journal should be approved before the exam

Forms of Assessment

The subject is concluded with a four-hour written exam in the fourth semester.

Examination Support Material

None

Grading Scale

A-F

Assessment Semester

Spring, fourth semester

Programme Committee

Programme committee of dental study programmes

Course Coordinator

Professor Kathrine Skarstein, Department of Clinical Medicine

Course Administrator

Department of clinical medicine