Outline

Overview

Understanding mechanisms and progression of disease to improve human health and quality of life are some of the great challenges facing modern medical sciences in the 21st century. The Pathogenesis of Human Disease 2 (Advanced) unit of study will provide an integrated theoretical and practical environment to investigate the scientific basis of the pathogenesis of systemic diseases. By considering systemic pathophysiology as the intersection of disease processes and scientifically validated approaches to diagnose, you will be exposed to anatomical pathology, genetic pathology and clinical (chemical) pathology. Building upon the foundational knowledge you've gained, this unit will allow you to explore the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, haematological disorders, endocrinopathies, and diseases of the hepatobiliary and oral and maxillofacial system. In the Advanced offering (CPAT3902), you will have the opportunity to extend your knowledge through laboratory placements in either a pre-clinical or clinical setting, to expand your microscopic (Köhler illumination and digital microscopy) and macroscopic specimen evaluation to the research and clinical community using appropriate terminology. This unit of study is appropriate for those who intend to proceed to Honours research, to postgraduate studies such as Medicine or Dentistry or to careers in biomedical areas such as hospital science.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	A WAM of 70 and a mark of 70 or above in�12 credit points from�{[IMMU2X11 or IMMU2101 or MEDS2004 or MIMI2X02] or [(MEDS2004 or MIMI2X02) and (MEDS2001 or MEDS2003 or PHSI2X07)] or MEDS201X}
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	CPAT3202
Assumed knowledge ?	A working knowledge of biology
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Melanie White, melanie.white@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Exam Extended answer questions covering all modules delivered	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	PBL Investigation SAQ based on the integration of multiple complementary sources of evidence in PBL tutorials.	10%	Multiple weeks	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Submission of practical workbook EAQ with a microscopic and macroscopic evaluation of diseases	10%	Multiple weeks	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Museum Peer Discussions Students contribute to collaborative learning (peer-teaching) with supporting documents submitted to Canvas	10%	Multiple weeks	20 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Pathology Game Project Develop a game that encourages the revision of object classification skills	20%	Week 12 Due date: 30 Oct 2026 at 17:00 Closing date: 06 Nov 2026	Production of board game	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Board game: Students will work in a group to produce a board game to encourage revision of content through active participation and gamification.

Practical workbooks: One workbook is available per disease module. All questions must be attempted in short-answer format, with appropriate image annotations to be considered a completed submission. Submissions must be made before the relevant due date.

PBL Investigations: Students will work in small groups to assess evidence provided during the problem-based learning (PBL) workshop and use it to justify a diagnosis. Submission types include MCQs/SAQs, which will be prepared individually. Submissions must be made before the relevant due date.

Museum Peer Discussions: Students will engage in peer learning in fortnightly museum (macroscopic) practicals. Submission types include discussion posts and slide decks, which will be prepared individually. Submissions must be made before the relevant due date.

Final Exam: The exam comprises extended-answer questions from each module.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

Result Name	Mark Range	Description
High Distinction (HD)	85-100	Awarded when you demonstrate the unit's learning outcomes at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars
Distinction (DI)	75-84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars
Credit (CR)	65-74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars
Pass (PA)	50-64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars
Fail (FA)	0-49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard
Absent Fail (AF)	0-49	When you haven't completed all assessment tasks or met the attendance requirements

For more information, see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late assignments that have not been granted an extension will attract a penalty of 5% of the maximum mark per day late including weekend days (e.g. if the assignment is worth 40 marks, the penalty is 2 marks per day late). Assignments submitted more than 10 days late will be given a mark of zero (0).

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Advanced object classification tutorial	Tutorial (12 hr)
	Problem-based learning	Workshop (6 hr)
	Modern approaches to pathology	Tutorial (12 hr)
	Museum Readiness Workshop	Workshop (16 hr)
Week 01	Cardiovascular Pathology 1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Cardiovascular Pathology 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Cardiovascular Pathology 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Cardiovascular Pathology 2	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	Cardiovascular Pathology 3	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Cardiovascular Pathology 3	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Neurological Diseases 1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Neurological Diseases 1	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	Neurological Diseases 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Neurological Diseases 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Hepatobiliary Diseases 1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Hepatobiliary Diseases 1	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	Hepatobiliary Diseases 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Hepatobiliary Diseases 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Haematopathology 1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Haematopathology 1	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	Haematopathology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Haematopathology 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Endocrinopathies 1	Lecture (2 hr)
	Histological slide preparation - hands-on practical	Practical (2 hr)
	Endocrinopathies 1	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	Endocrinopathies 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Endocrinopathies 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology 1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology 2	Practical (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students must attend at least 80% of compulsory museum and microscope practicals for this unit, per the University Coursework Policy.

Attendance is recorded and will be used to support a case for absent fail (AF) where necessary. Students found to have fraudulently recorded attendance (or provided the means to others) will be reported for academic misconduct investigation.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Reading List, available on Canvas.

Robbins Basic Pathology (2018) 10th Edition. Vinay Kumar, Abul K. Abbas and Jon. C. Aster

Further reading is also available through the Reading List (Canvas)

Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease (2018) 10th Edition. Vinay Kumar, Abul K. Abbas and Jon C. Aster

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Define and explain how different organ systems react to injury and adapt to pathology for comparison with physiological conditions.
LO2. Interpret key mechanisms of pathogenic processes to synthesise original insights and predict outcomes.
LO3. Revise and appraise complex pathogenic processes for translation to a broader audience.
LO4. Classify microscopic and macroscopic specimens that allow for evaluation and analysis of pathogenesis and disease.
LO5. Identify, evaluate and integrate sholarly information on disease pathogenesis for written and verbal communication.
LO6. Implement experimental strategies and assess experimental data to generate scientific conclusions.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In response to student feedback (2025), museum readiness workshops are now active-learning environments in which groups take a collaborative approach, guided by the academic team. PBLs developed in 2023 continue to be enjoyed and will be retained for 2026 with an SAQ linked to help students prepare for the final exam. CPAT3902 students are awarded marks for their participation in museum peer-discussions. In-class quizzes have been removed.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eyewash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Result Name

Mark Range

Description

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CPAT3902: Pathogenesis of Human Disease 2 (Advanced)

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Result Name

Mark Range

Description

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links