Course Details

General Pathology

MF0149

Course
General Pathology
Code
MF0149
Academic Year
2025/2026
Curriculum Year
2025/2026
Degree Programme
BIOLOGY
Curriculum
A16 - Biomedico e Biomolecolare
Course coordinator
Credits
6
Lecture Hours
48
Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)
MED/04 - General Pathology
Course Type
Single-subject learning activity
Course Delivery
OBB - Obbligatoria
Year
1
Teaching period
Secondo Semestre
Campus
ALESSANDRIA
Teaching language
Italian
Course Contents
Pathophysiological and clinical characteristics of the main diseases of the lung, skin, gastrointestinal, endocrine and vascular systems. Basic knowledge of the pathogenetic and etiological mechanisms underlying neoplastic transformation. Gender differences in the incidence, prevalence, and underlying mechanisms of the diseases will be discussed.
Reference Texts
• V. Kumar, A.K. Abbas, J.C. Aster. "Robbins. Fondamenti di patologia e di fisiopatologia" IX edizione, Edra.
• KL McCance, SE Huether “Fisiopatologia ed elementi di patologia generale”, Edra
• Parola M. et al. “Patologia Generale ed Elementi di Fisiopatologia”, II edizione, Edises
• The slides of the lectures and additional material such as scientific publications will be available to students.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding the main pathophysiological and clinical characteristics of the most common diseases affecting lung, skin, gastrointestinal, endocrine, vascular systems and the pathogenetic and etiological mechanisms underlying neoplastic transformation.. Gain independence of judgment on the different topics addressed during the course, logically linking concepts and knowledge together. Gain skills regarding the verbal and written communication by the use of specific scientific and technical language. Identifying and explaining of the molecular targets of drugs in current clinical use and under study
Prerequisites
Physiology and general pathology are strongly recommended.
Teaching Methods
Lectures. Occasionally interactive methods based on case study.
Additional Information
Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request
specific services and tools via the Staff "Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse
e agli Studenti", consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-
students-physical-or-learning-disabilities

Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted
the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination
modalities, concerning academic aspects.
Assessment Methods
The exam will consist of two open questions aimed at assessing the understanding of the topic, the use of the specific scientific language, the critical and communication skills. Two exam sessions are scheduled during the months of February, June-July and September. The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale. The minimum passing grade is 18/30, and the maximum grade is 30/30. In cases of outstanding performance, the grade 30/30 cum laude may be awarded.
Detailed Syllabus
Disorders of lung and low respiratory tract (1CFU)
Clinical manifestation of pulmonary changes.
Restrictive lung diseases: aspiration, atelectasis, brochiectasia, bronchiolitis, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary edema and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Obstructive pulmonary diseases: asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Acute infectious pathology of the lower respiratory tract: pneumonia, tuberculosis, bronchitis.

Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and connected organs (1CFU)
Clinical manifestation of gastrointestinal dysfunction
Motility disorders (dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hiatal hernia, pyloric stenosis, intestinal obstruction)
Gastritis
Peptic ulcer disease: duodenal, gastric and stress ulcers
Malabsorption syndromes
Inflammatory Bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome
preclinical models to study gut diseases (organoids and murine models)
Liver, gallbladder and pancreas disorders

Disorders of the skin (1CFU)
skin immunity
Atopic dermatitis and vitiligo: from the pathogenensis to the identification of therapeutic targets for the development of new drugs

Disorders of the endocrine system (1CFU)
Pituitary gland: pituitary adenomas, hypopituitarism and hyperpituitarism.
Thyroid: hypo- and hyper-thyroidism, goiter, thyroiditis.
Endocrine pancreas: etiopathogenetic aspects of diabetes mellitus.
Adrenal cortex: adrenal cortical insufficiency, hyper adrenal syndromes.
Adrenal medulla: pheochromocytoma.

Disorders of the cardiovascular system (1CFU)
Structure and function of blood vessels.
Atherosclerosis (mechanisms of atherosclerotic plaque formation and clinical consequences)
Hyperlipidemias
Cardiocirculatory diseases: hyperemia, hemorrhagic diseases, thrombosis, embolism, ischemia, infarction, hypotension/hypertension, shock

Oncology (1CFU):
Neoplastic transformation, distinctive cellular and molecular traits of tumor cells
carcinogenesis process
Role of the immune system in oncology (Immunogenicity of tumors and cancer immunoediting)
Immunotherapy
Molecular mechanisms underlying the functional relationship between inflammation and tumors
Expected Learning Outcomes
In keeping with the Dublin Descriptors
D1- KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: The student will demonstrate that he has learned and understood the pathophysiological and clinical characteristics of the main diseases affecting the organs of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, endocrine and vascular systems and tumors. The student will acquire the specific scientific terminology.
D2- APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING The student will gain the ability to apply the acquired knowledge in order to 1) understand the therapeutic effects of drugs that are in current clinical use 2) identify new potential therapeutic targets 3) develop new drugs directed towards specific molecular/cell targets
D3- MAKING JUDGEMENTS The student will gain knowledge to read the literature independently and critically.
D4- COMUNICATION SKILLS The student will demonstrate that he has acquired the specific scientific terminology to discuss the acquired knowledge both in the academic and industrial fields. The student will develop the ability to disseminate the acquired knowledge in a clear and understandable way even to an audience of non-experts
D5- LEARNING SKILLS The student will be able to examine and interpret scientific texts, so as to go beyond what has been taught, facing and solving new challenges, that will allow him to expand his knowledge in an autonomous and critical way.
Last update:09-09-2026 00:14:31