Unit of Study VBIO1006 Introduction to Pathophysiology (2026)

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Unit Snapshot

Unit type

UG Coursework Unit
Credit points

12
Faculty & College

Faculty of Science and Engineering
Placement

No

Pre-requisites

VBIO1003 - Anatomy and Physiology 3 AND VBIO1004 - Anatomy and Physiology 4

Enrolment information

1. To pass the unit, students must submit all assessment tasks. 2. Attendance: It is important to recognise the relationship between attendance, participation, student success and retention. Please take advantage of all classes and engagement activities as it will increase your opportunity for learning, progression in the course, and success as a veterinarian. For units with practicals and other learning activities that directly relate to developing AVBC day one competencies that are required for veterinary accreditation, attendance is required. These will be identified within each unit and attendance requirements clearly communicated to students.

Unit description

This introductory veterinary pathophysiology unit aims to equip students with foundational knowledge of pathological processes and their impact on major animal body systems. Students will explore key pathological mechanisms such as inflammation, necrosis, and neoplasia, understanding how these processes disrupt normal anatomical and physiological functions. Through this unit, students will identify and explain common pathological changes affecting critical systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary systems. Emphasis will be placed on linking clinical signs to underlying disease mechanisms, fostering a deeper understanding of how pathological alterations manifest in various species. Students will be introduced to post-mortem technique and practice safe handling of knives, specimens, PPE (including Kevlar) and build dexterity in post mortem skills. Students will revisit, consolidate and build practical skills in interpreting gross and microscopic pathological findings, distinguishing normal tissue structures from pathological alterations. This analytical approach will be enhanced by comparing and contrasting disease mechanisms across different animal species, recognizing species-specific variations in disease progression, response, and recovery. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical diagnostic skills, this unit prepares students to accurately assess and comprehend pathological changes, thereby forming a strong foundation for further study and application in veterinary science.

Unit content

Foundations of pathophysiology & immunology
Pathological processes and disease mechanisms
Immunology and immune-mediated pathology
Diagnostic pathology and epidemiology
Comparative pathophysiology across species
Integration and application of concepts, consolidation of knowledge: linking pathological processes with clinical signs

Availabilities

Not currently available in 2026

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

describe key pathological processes (e.g., inflammation, necrosis, neoplasia) and their impact on major animal body systems, correlating these with normal anatomical and physiological functions

identify and explain common pathological changes affecting different organ systems, linking clinical signs to underlying disease mechanisms

interpret gross and microscopic pathological findings in different organ systems, distinguishing between normal and abnormal tissue structures, utilising safe and appropriate post-mortem technique and sample collection techniques

compare and contrast the pathophysiological mechanisms of disease across different animal species, recognising species-specific variations in disease progression and response.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
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