1. Explain the molecular, genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying common human diseases and the diagnostic approaches used to investigate them.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Apply diagnostic techniques to examine and interpret pathological samples.

Application & Problem Solving

Research Skills

3. Use digital and bioinformatic tools to analyse genomic and proteomic data relevant to disease diagnosis.

Digital Literacy

4. Communicate pathological findings clearly to professional and non-specialist audiences and reflect critically on your development as an emerging biomedical scientist.

Communication

Reflection

A minimum of 40% in the summative assessment is required to pass the module.

1) The recorded case overview will take the form of a narration over the details of patient case and will focus on linking the choice of tests applied with the underlying theory, with critical evaluation and consideration of possible alternative approaches.

2) Poster reporting the bioinformatic investigation of a relevant topic from within the module. Time to be given to workshop this investigation in the module and to provide opportunity for formative feedback from peers and instructor on the poster.

In this module, you will explore how cells are maintained in normal tissues and become altered by genetic, molecular and cellular changes. You will investigate the tools used in modern pathology to detect these changes, from microscopy to high-throughput approaches in genomics, to understand how diseases develop. Including:

Normal cell and tissue architecture, histological preparation and microscopic examination techniques.

Mechanisms of cellular pathology, including injury, adaptation, death, dysregulation and links to tumour biology.

Molecular bases of disease: genetic and epigenetic change, altered signalling and transcriptional regulation.

Pathology of major disease processes, including inflammation, degeneration, neoplasia and developmental abnormalities.

Application of molecular and cellular diagnostics, including histological staining, genetic testing, omics approaches, bioinformatics, quality assurance and near-patient diagnostic contexts.

How do cells and molecules tell the story of disease?

In this module, you will explore how cells are maintained in normal tissues and become altered by genetic, molecular and cellular changes. You will investigate the tools used in modern pathology to detect these changes, from microscopy to high-throughput approaches in genomics, to understand how diseases develop. By linking molecular events with clinical consequences, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to interpret diagnostic data and appreciate the science behind personalised medicine.

Sessions will include lectures, workshop activities, discussions, groupwork, drop-in support sessions. There will also be laboratory practical sessions.

Scott, J. (2022) Biological science: exploring the science of life. Biomedical edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Available at: https://app.kortext.com/borrow/2114845.

Volpi, E.V. (2025) Medical genetics and genomics. Edited by E.V. Volpi and L. Tinworth. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Shambayati, B. (2018) Cytopathology. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Orchard, G. and Nation, B. (2017) Histopathology. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Warford, A. and Presneau, N. (2019) Molecular diagnostics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Suitable rooming for group work and discussion

Scientific laboratory for practical block

IT suite space with access to PCs