Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Effectively communicate case studies in pathophysiology through verbal, written and multimedia means.
2. Apply concepts learned in the classroom toward successful clinical problem-solving.
3. Read, understand, and critically evaluate medical journals, health articles, and other forms of data related to pathophysiology.
4. Understand the basis for some laboratory tests and other diagnostic procedures.
5. Make correlations between pathophysiology and clinical skills they are learning in the medical assisting program.
6. Understand how the various organ systems are interrelated, and use this understanding to promote a holistic approach towards the evaluation and treatment of patients.

 
Students will demonstrate these learning outcomes by these tasks conducted individually and in cooperation with other students.

1. Answer theoretical and application multiple choice questions on information covered in the lecture and reading assignments.
2. Complete a variety of work assignments to demonstrate understanding of basic concepts.

Subject Matter, Concepts, Themes, Issues:
The following list outlines the concepts, themes and issues you need to understand and be able to use appropriately. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding in written and oral form, individually and in groups. See attached.
COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:
1.0  INTRODUCTION TO DISEASE
Understand the terms used to classify and describe diseases. Understand common pathology and diseases. Understand diagnostic and treatment modalities.
2.0  DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Identify methods of diagnosis and modalities of treatment in regards to disease.
3.0  BODY FLUIDS AND ELECTROLYTES
Know the importance of body fluid and electrolyte balance in health and disease.
4.0  INFLAMMATION AND REPAIR
Understand the basic process of inflammation and repair.
5.0  NORMAL AND ABNORMAL IMMUNE RESPONSE
Understand the role of the immune system in health and disease.
6.0  BACTERIAL INFECTION
Know the three basic types of pathogenic bacteria in relation to the major points involved in disease outcome:
7.0  VIRAL, RICKETTSIAL AND CHLAMYDIAL INFECTIONS
Know common viral and rickettsial and chlamydial infections and how they differ from bacterial infections.
8.0  FUNGI AND PARASITES
Know the names of common fungal and parasitic diseases.
9.0  NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS
Identify the most common infectious diseases associated with hospitalization.
10.0  NEOPLASMS
Distinguish between benign and malignant neoplasms in terms of etiology, behavior and results.  Recognize basic diagnostic methods and treatment modalities for cancer.
11.0  HEREDITARY AND CONGENITAL DISORDERS
Introduce hereditary, genetic and congenital disorders in regard to cause.
12.0  CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS
Introduce major pathological disorders of the cardiovascular system.
13.0  BLOOD AND LYMPH
Introduce the major pathological disorders of the blood, hematopoietic system and lymphatic system.
14.0  RESPIRATORY DISORDERS
Introduce the major pathological disorders of the respiratory system.
                                                                  
15.0  DIGESTIVE TRACT DISORDERS
Review the normal physiology of the digestive system and relate this to the common pathological disorders as to etiology, diagnosis, signs and symptoms, treatment and prognosis.
16.0  HEPATOBILIARY DISORDERS
Review the normal physiology of accessory digestive system and relate this to the common pathological disorders as to etiology, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
17.0  ENDOCRINE DISORDERS
Review the normal physiology of the endocrine system and relate this to the common pathological disorders as to etiology, diagnosis, signs and symptoms, treatment and prognosis.
18.0  GENITOURINARY SYSTEM DISORDERS
Review the normal physiology of the urinary system (male and female reproduction systems) and relate this to the common pathological disorders as to etiology, diagnosis, signs and symptoms, treatment and prognosis.
19.0  FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM AND BREAST
Review the normal physiology of the female breast and reproduction system and relate this to the common pathological disorders as to etiology, diagnosis, signs and symptoms, treatment and prognosis.
20.0  NERVOUS SYSTEM
Review the normal anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and apply this to the common pathological disorders affecting this system.
21.0  SKELETAL SYSTEM
Review the normal anatomy and physiology of the skeletal system and apply this to the common pathological disorders affecting the bones.
22.0  DISORDERS OF JOINTS, MUSCLES AND TENDONS
Review the normal anatomy and physiology of joints, muscles and tendons and apply this to the common pathological disorders affecting them.