Course Description
The course provides an overview of the functional changes in the body that result from disease processes. Building on the knowledge of normal human anatomy and physiology, students learn the biological basis of changes that occur after loss of normal structure and/or function, including variations due to stage of life. The course will cover the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and principles guiding therapies of
commonly occurring (as supported by Health
Canada statistics/data) conditions across several organ systems.
Course Content
- Inflammation and Healing
- The Study of Pathophysiology
- Cellular Changes
- Mechanism of Inflammation
- Acute and Chronic Inflammation
- The Healing Process
- Disorders of the Immune System
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Autoimmune Disorders
- Immunodeficiency
- Neoplasms
- Benign and Malignant Tumors
- Cancer: Pathophysiology, Etiology and Treatment
- Examples of Malignant Tumors
- Blood Disorders
- The Anemias and Polycythemia
- Blood-clotting Disorders
- The Leukemias
- Cardiovascular Disorders
- Coronary Artery Disease and Myocardial Infarction
- Heart Failure
- Cardiac Dysrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation)
- Arterial and Venous Disorders
- Respiratory Disorders
- Lung Obstruction
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome
- Digestive Disorders
- Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Hepatic and Pancreatic Disorders
- Lower Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Urinary Disorders
- Urinary Tract Obstructions
- Renal Failure
- Neurological Disorders
- General Effects of Neurological Dysfunction
- Acute Neurological Disorders
- Chronic Neurological Disorders
- Endocrine Disorders
- Insulin and Diabetes Mellitus
- Hypothalamus, Pituitary and Related Glands Dysfunctions
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Bone Disorders
- Joint Disorders
- Reproductive System Disorders
- Disorders of the Male Reproductive system
- Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Learning Activities
Learning activities include lecture and group discussion, case study analysis and group/individual projects.
Means of Assessment
Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on some of the following:
| Quizzes |
10% -15% |
| Midterm Exam I |
20% - 30% |
| Midterm Exam II |
20% - 30% |
| Term Project |
10% - 15% |
| Final Exam |
25% - 35% |
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of BIOL 2200, the student will be able to:
- Explain the role of pathophysiology in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
- Describe the common cellular changes underlying disease processes.
- Explain the mechanism, types and effects of inflammation.
- Describe the healing process.
- Describe the mechanism and clinical effects of the various types of hypersensitivity reactions.
- Discuss the mechanism of autoimmunity and provide examples of autoimmune disorders.
- Explain the causes and effects of immunodeficiency.
- Distinguish between benign and malignant tumours.
- Describe the stages of carcinogenesis.
- Discuss the signs and principles of therapies and prognosis of commonly occurring forms of cancer.
- Describe and compare the etiopathology, manifestations and treatment of various forms of anemia, polycythemia and coagulation disorders.
- Compare acute and chronic leukemia.
- Describe and compare the etiopathology, manifestations and treatment of various cardiovascular disorders.
- Discuss the causes, signs and effects of disorders of the respiratory tract and obstructive lung disorders.
- Discuss the causes, signs and effects of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas.
- Describe the etiopathology, manifestations and treatment of disorders of the urinary tract and kidneys.
- Explain some of the general signs (particularly those associated with increased intracranial pressure) and symptoms of neurological disorders.
- Describe and compare the etiopathology, manifestations and treatment of acute and chronic neurological disorders.
- Discuss the etiopathology, signs and effects of disruption in the functioning of selected endocrine glands.
- Compare the various types of fractures and describe the healing process in bone.
- Discuss the pathophysiology of osteoporosis.
- Describe and compare the etiopathology and manifestations of the various forms of arthritis.
- Discuss the pathophysiology of various disorders of the male and female reproductive system.
- Describe common sexually transmitted diseases.
Textbook Materials
Students should consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials.
For example, textbooks may include:
Hannon R., Pooler, P., and Porth, C., Porth Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States Canadian Edition (Current Edition), Wolters Kluwer.
Huether, S. and McCance, K. Understanding Pathophysiology (Current Edition). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier.