General Pathology and Immunology

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.

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

7 ects

Master

Spring, fourth semester