Course Description:
This comprehensive online course provides a foundational understanding of pathophysiology, the study of the functional changes associated with disease. Through engaging lectures, interactive exercises, and real-world case studies, students will explore the underlying mechanisms of various diseases, from cellular and molecular levels to organ systems and whole-body responses.
Target Audience:
This course is designed for healthcare professionals such as nurses, allied health professionals (e.g., respiratory therapists, physical therapists), medical laboratory technicians, and pre-medical students.
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Define key terms and concepts in pathophysiology.
Explain the cellular and molecular mechanisms of disease.
Analyze the pathophysiology of various disease states across different organ systems.
Apply knowledge of pathophysiology to clinical scenarios.
Critically evaluate research articles related to disease mechanisms.
Develop effective communication skills related to pathophysiology.
Course Modules:
Module 1: Introduction to Pathophysiology
What is pathophysiology?
History and evolution of pathophysiology.
Key concepts: homeostasis, etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations.
The role of genetics and epigenetics in disease.
Ethical considerations in the study of disease.
Module 2: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Disease
Cellular injury and adaptation: atrophy, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, metaplasia, dysplasia.
Cell death: necrosis and apoptosis.
Inflammation: acute and chronic inflammation, immune response.
Neoplasia: cancer biology, tumor growth and metastasis.
Genetic disorders: chromosomal abnormalities, single-gene disorders, multifactorial disorders.
Module 3: Hematology and Immunology
Blood components and function: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets.
Anemia: different types of anemia and their pathophysiology.
Hemostasis and thrombosis: disorders of coagulation.
Immune system: innate and adaptive immunity.
Hypersensitivity reactions: allergies, autoimmunity.
Immunodeficiency disorders.
Module 4: Cardiovascular System
Physiology of the heart and circulation.
Coronary artery disease: atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction.
Heart failure: different types and pathophysiology.
Arrhythmias: mechanisms and clinical significance.
Hypertension: risk factors and complications.
Vascular diseases: atherosclerosis, aneurysm, vasculitis.
Module 5: Respiratory System
Pulmonary ventilation and gas exchange.
Restrictive lung diseases: pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia.
Obstructive lung diseases: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Pulmonary vascular diseases: pulmonary embolism.
Respiratory infections: viral, bacterial, fungal.
Module 6: Renal System
Renal physiology: glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption and secretion.
Acute kidney injury (AKI): different types and causes.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD): progression and complications.
Electrolyte imbalances: hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, acidosis.
Module 7: Gastrointestinal System
Gastrointestinal motility and digestion.
Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis.
Peptic ulcer disease.
Liver diseases: hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure.
Pancreatic diseases: pancreatitis.
Module 8: Endocrine System
Hormonal regulation and feedback mechanisms.
Diabetes mellitus: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Thyroid disorders: hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism.
Adrenal disorders: Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease.
Pituitary disorders: hypopituitarism, hyperpituitarism.
Module 9: Musculoskeletal System
Physiology of skeletal muscle and bone.
Inflammatory arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis.
Musculoskeletal infections: osteomyelitis.
Metabolic bone diseases: osteoporosis.
Neuromuscular disorders: myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy.
Module 10: Neurological System
Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology.
Cerebrovascular diseases: stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Traumatic brain injury.
Neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease.
Demyelinating diseases: multiple sclerosis.
Infectious diseases of the nervous system: meningitis, encephalitis.