Principles of Disease

Total Contact Hours:

150 hours

Course Director:

Nancy J. Bigley, Ph.D., Professor of Neuroscieince, Cell Biology and Physiology
B. Laurel Elder, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pathology

Course Description:

This is an introductory course on the principles of immunology, bacteriology, virology, and parasitology as they apply to human disease. Through a series of presentations, case discussions, team-based learning sessions, and laboratory experiences, students acquire the vocabulary of infectious diseases and explore how diagnoses are made based on history, physical, and laboratory findings.

Course Objectives & Integration with the Educational Objectives:

By the conclusion of this course, the student will demonstrate the ability to:

K1 Describe the microbiology, pathogenic mechanisms, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, forms of treatment and methods of prevention for key human bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal pathogens.

K2 Perform basic microbiologic techniques which may be used by physicians to allow rapid identification of organisms (e.g. direct gram stains; antigen tests for group A streptococci, throat and urine cultures).

K3 Interpret preliminary and final microbiology and serology laboratory test results, correlating the sensitivity, specificity and clinical relevance of the results with a patient’s disease state.

K4 Describe the component and functions of the innate and adaptive immune systems, as well as the deleterious effects of hypersensitivity, autoimmunity and immunosuppression.

K5 Analyze clinical scenarios to appropriately identify the microbiological and/or immunological components contributing to the patient’s presentation.

K6 Use information about a patient’s immune status to predict susceptibility to select infectious and non-infectious diseases.

K7 Provide information to patients with infectious or immune diseases to help them to make correct decisions about these diseases.

C1 Solve complex problems effectively in teams, through the team-based learning modules.

C2 Work effectively with laboratory partners to complete the required assignments.

C3 Provide constructive feedback to team members through peer-evaluation in team-based learning.

P1 Convey professionalism by:

• Arriving on time and fully prepared to participate laboratory exercises and team-based learning sessions
• Supporting their team in team-based learning through adequate preparation and creation of a positive, encouraging atmosphere
• Exhibiting ethical behavior in regards to testing in team-based learning sessions and major examinations
• Treating fellow students, faculty, teaching assistants, and staff with courtesy and respect

Learning Activities:

Presentations, laboratories, Team-Based Learning.

Assessment:

Three MCQ exams, laboratory practicals, Team-Based Learning.