Course Requirements

 

• Research-based M.Sc and P.hD
• Masters of Clinical Sciences - Pathologists' Assistant

Research-based

 

Required courses for all research-based MSc students

 

MSc – Year 1
Course Number	Title	Term
PATHOL 9240A	Understanding Disease	September – December
PATHOL 9555A	Journal Club Seminar Series	September – December
PATHOL 9556B	Journal Club Seminar Series	January – April

 

MSc – Year 1 (Ecosystem Stream)
Course Number	Title	Term
PATHOL 9240A	Understanding Disease	September – December
PATHOL 9514B	Ecosystem Health	January - April
PATHOL 9555A	Journal Club Seminar Series	September – December
PATHOL 9556B	Journal Club Seminar Series	January – April

 

MSc – Year 2
Course Number	Title	Term
PATHOL 9557A	Journal Club Seminar Series	September – December
PATHOL 9558B	Journal Club Seminar Series	January – April

 

 

Required courses for all research-based PhD students

 

PhD – Year 1
Course Number	Title	Term
PATHOL 9240A*	Understanding Disease	September – December
PATHOL 9665A	Journal Club Seminar Series	September – December
PATHOL 9666B	Journal Club Seminar Series	January – April

* If not taken during MSc (transfer students)

 

PhD – Year 1 (Ecosystem Stream)
Course Number	Title	Term
PATHOL 9240A*	Understanding Disease	September – December
PATHOL 9514B*	Ecosystem Health	January - April
PATHOL 9665A	Journal Club Seminar Series	September – December
PATHOL 9666B	Journal Club Seminar Series	January – April

* If not taken during MSc (transfer students)

 

PhD – Year 2
Course Number	Title	Term
PATHOL 9240A*	Understanding Disease	September – December
PATHOL 9667A	Journal Club Seminar Series	September – December
PATHOL 9668B	Journal Club Seminar Series	January – April

* If not taken during MSc (transfer students)

 

Other required courses for all MSc & PhD students

 

Biostatistics course

 

All students (MSc/PhD, full-time/part-time) are required to take one statistical analysis course.  We recommend the following courses offered by the Departments of Statistical Sciences, Biology, and Health Sciences.  If a student has taken a course which the student and the Advisory Committee believe satisfies the requirement, a waiver request (see forms section) may be submitted to the Graduate Education Committee. 

 

Course Number	Title	Term
Statistical Sciences 2244 A/B	Statistics for Science	September or January
Biology 2244 A/B	Analysis & Interpretation of Biological Data	September or January
Health Sciences 3801 A/B	Measurement and Analysis in Health Sciences	September or January

 

Important note

 

The supervisor and/or the Advisory Committee may suggest additional courses for the students.  These will be required and the students will be expected to obtain a minimum average of 70%.

Optional courses

 

Course Number	Title	Term
PATHOL 9500B*	The Biology of Human Cancer	January - April
PATHOL 9520B*	Public & Private Partnerships	January – April
PATHOL 9100A	Health Informatics	September – December
PATHOL 9110B	Introduction of Health Information Management	January – April

* offered in alternate years

 

 

Course descriptions

 

Understanding Disease (PATHOL 9240)

This is a survey course for students covering the fundamental mechanisms of common disease processes.  The lectures will be delivered conjointly with undergraduate students.  The graduate students will also have to participate in case studies of disease.

Format/Assessment: Lectures/assessment is by written examinations, labs

 

Biostatistics

There are a number of statistics courses offered through different departments/faculties at the University of Western Ontario.  They differ in content and emphasis; hours/week and tutorial time.  You are required to take one of the following:

Biology                  2244 A/B

Statistical Sciences  2244 A/B

Health Sciences      3801 A/B

Format/Assessment: Variable, see departments offering these courses for more details

 

Journal Club/Seminar Course

(Old course numbers PATHOL 9510, 9511, 9610, 9611)

(New MSc course numbers PATHOL 9555, 9556, 9557, 9558)

(New PhD course numbers PATHOL 9665, 9666, 9667, 9668)      

Current students in the program will still be using the old course numbers as per above.  New students beginning September 2010 – we have implemented new course numbers.

 

This course will emphasize critical review of the literature and also gives the student an opportunity to practice presentation skills.  Research papers published in journals such as Nature, Cell, and Science are assigned for reading and PowerPoint (oral) presentations.  Each MSc student presents two and each PhD student presents four journal articles.  The students also give the same number of presentations of their own research (in the form of research proposals and progress reports).

Format/Assessment: Presentations/assessment is by peer-review and participation

 

Ecosystem Health (PATHOL 9514)

This multi-disciplinary graduate course will include a seminar presentation related to the student’s research project, a critical review of one contemporary ecosystem health research article in the peer-reviewed literature, a critique of one article in the popular press (newspaper or internet), and preparation of a case study involving ecosystem health issues at either the national or international level.  There will also be specialist guest lecturers discussing ecosystem health issues from different perspectives to assist in preparation of the case studies. 

Format/Assessment: Check with course coordinator for details on the format and assessment

 

The Biology of Human Cancer (PATHOL 9500)

This course covers recent developments in carcinogenesis, including etiology, control of gene expression, oncogenes, suppressor genes, initiation, progression, mechanisms of chemical carcinogenesis and types of treatment. The course is offered in alternate years.

Format/Assessment: Check with course coordinator for details on the format and assessment

 

Public and Private Partnerships (PATHOL 9520)

This course has been developed in association with the UWO Richard Ivey School of Business and the Department of Oncology and Department of Pathology, and the London Regional Cancer Program.  Basic and clinical researchers, industrial research partners, and business faculty will participate in developing the ability of cancer researchers to work with the private sector in translating new technology into clinical and community practice. 

Format/Assessment: Check with course coordinator for details on the format and assessment

Course Announcement

 

Health Informatics (PATHOL 9100)

The course will cover fundamental theories and principles of health informatics including: an overview of the health care system, computer systems, communications and information theory, data types, and data uses and users.  The course will introduce the students to the wide range of health informatics applications and uses of computers in health care with emphasis on various clinical support and clinical information systems and on the electronic health record and its achievability.

Format/Assessment: Check with course coordinator for details on the format and assessment

 

Introduction to Health Information Management (PATHOL 9110)

Present day healthcare relies on the sharing of health information across integrated hospital, health facility, and clinical information systems.  The course will look at the flow of data and health information across the care continuum, the uses and users of health data and health information, and various information systems in current use and how these systems may be integrated from a technological and management perspective.  Pathology 9100 is a prerequisite.

Format/Assessment: Check with course coordinator for details on the format and assessment

 

Exemption from required courses

 

A student may submit a request, in writing to the Graduate Education Committee, for exemption from taking any of the Department’s required courses.  The request form is on the UWO Pathology website.  The request must be accompanied by documentation that details the equivalent course.  The course documentation may include the course outline or course notes/exams/evaluation scheme.  The equivalent course must have been taken within the last 5 years and the student must have received 80 % or above.

 

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PA Program

Pathologists’ Assistant Curriculum - Overview

 

Year 1
Course Number	Title	Term
PASS - 9240A	Understanding Disease	September – December
PASS - 9561A	Functional Histology	September – April
PASS - 9562A	Infectious Diseases & Pathology	September – April
ANAT 9560	Human Anatomy, Embryology	September – May
PASS - 9245B	Diseases of the Organ System	January – April
PASS - 9540B	Environmental Pathology	January – April
PASS - 9541B	Environmental Pathology – Special Topic	January - April
PASS - 9550B	Intro to Forensic Sciences	January – April
PASS - 9551B	Intro to Forensic Sciences – Special Topic	January - April
PHYSIO 2130	Human Physiology	September

Course Descriptions

9240A/9245B General & Systemic Pathology		1.0 Credit
This is a survey course for students covering, in the first term, fundamental mechanisms of common disease processes. The second term course includes a lecture based discussion of diseases that affect most of the major organ systems of the human body, knowledge of which is important to the practice of Pathology. The lectures will be delivered conjointly with undergraduate students. The PA graduate students will also have to participate in case studies of disease. Lectures, assessment is by written examinations
9560 Human Anatomy & Embryology		2.0 Credit
A study of human anatomy, embryology and imaging for graduate students. The course consists of dissection and tutorials in gross anatomy, as well as tutorials in embryology. Students should expect to spend at least 6 hours/week in the lab and 2-4 hours/week in tutorials. Imaging will be covered in tutorials and by guest presentations. Offered through the Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology
9561 Functional Histology for Clinical Practice	1.0 Credit
A detailed study of the microscopic structure of human, tissues and organs with emphasis on structure to function relationship as applied to the human disease process. Graduate students attend the lectures and microscopic sessions on a multi-header microscope with pathology faculty.
2130 Human Physiology	1.0 Credit
A survey course outlining the principles of human/mammalian physiology; general properties of the living cell and its internal environment; neural, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal and endocrine systems; metabolism, reproduction and homeostasis. Lectures, tutorials or equivalent on-line material. Final marks in the course are based on 3 mini-tests (20%each) given throughout the year and a final exam. Most students at UWO have taken this course as an undergraduate. If a student has not taken this course or an equivalent course in Human Physiology they will be required to take it as par of their degree.
9562 Infectious Diseases & Pathology	1.0 Credit
A detailed study of microbiologic organisms and how they cause disease. The course will be divided into two halves. The first half will cover the basics of microbiology and infectious diseases. It will cover the basic organisms and how they produce disease. This will be followed by a series of lectures dealing with the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. The second half of the course will build on the material learnt in the first half and on the material presented in pathology 3240a. The second half will be a series of presentations by the course coordinator and the graduate students. Each presentation will be based on a specific infectious disease and will cover the etiologies, clinical presentation, diagnosis, lab investigations, treatment and prevention. Lectures, assessment: written examinations and assignment.
9540 Environmental Pathology	0.5 Credit
The pathology of occupational and environmental diseases, including information on recent developments and basic mechanisms involved in these diseases. Recognition of occupational and environmental diseases, early diagnosis, mechanisms of cell injury and regeneration, and the effects of a wide variety of toxic drugs, chemicals and UV and ionizing radiation are included. Lectures, assessment: written examinations and assignment.
9541 Special Topic Environmental Pathology	0.5 credit
Students who have taken Pathol 4400B (Env Path) within the last two years of study will be exempt from taking Path 9540, but will be required to conduct a literature or systematic review or case study on a selected topic in Environmental Pathology. This will be submitted as a written report and assessed by a Pathology faculty member.
9550 (550b) Introduction to Forensic Sciences		0.5 Credit
Examination of the medicolegal framework investigating the nature and circumstance of certain deaths. These forensic investigations involve experts in different disciplines assisting the coroner and police in resolving cases. Forensic pathology examines the effects of disease
9551 Special Topic Forensic Sciences		0.5 Credit
Students who have taken Pathol 4500B (For Path) within the last two years of study will be exempt from taking Path 9550, but will be required to conduct a literature or systematic review or case study on a selected topic in Forensic Sciences. This will be submitted as a written report and assessed by a Pathology faculty member
Exemption from Required Courses: A student may submit a request in writing to the Graduate Education Committee for exemption from taking any of the department’s required courses. The request must be accompanied by documentation that shows the course (equivalent to that required by the department; e.g. a course outline; course notes) was taken within the last 5 years and that the student received an A standing in the course (80% or above from those universities submitting numerical grades).

Course Requirements Year 2

 

Year 2
Course Number	Title	Term
PASS - 9575	Gross Surgical Rotation	June – June (~12 months)
PASS - 9570	Autopsy Rotation	June – June (~12 months)
PASS - 9585	Research Project	June – June (~12 months)

9570 Autopsy Complete/Incomplete

Students will spend 5h/day working under supervision in the autopsy suite for 5 months. The students will be taught by hands-on instruction the duties and responsibilities of the Pathologists’ Assistant, including organ examination techniques, tissue selection for microscopy, and autopsy reporting.

The students will also attend Autopsy Rounds. During these rotations, the students are expected to maintain a log of the cases they handle. The students will be assessed on an ongoing basis by the laboratory supervisor. At the end of these rotations they will be examined in a viva. They will be given a pass/fail grade. 

 

Each student is expected to actively assist in at least 50 autopsies in the 5 month period.

 

9575 Surgical Gross Anatomical Pathology Complete/Incomplete 

Students will spend at least 5h/day working under supervision in the gross pathology suite for 5 months. Students will be taught by hands-on instruction as to how to perform an analysis, descriptions, and dissections of all surgical specimens. This rotation will be supplemented by pathology rounds or small group discussions, as appropriate, to provide students with a complete understanding of the protocols for specimen examination and dissection.

 

During these rotations, the students are expected to maintain a log of the cases they handle. The students will be assessed on an ongoing basis by the laboratory supervisor. At the end of these rotations they will be examined in a viva. They will be given a pass/fail grade.

 

9585 Pathology Research Project Complete/Incomplete

Objective

Gain appropriate knowledge and skill to answer the questions proposed in the identified research project.

The course will allow students to conduct an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty member. Potential projects may involve an extensive literature review, a series of case reports, a small clinical or basic research project, investigation of quality improvement indicators or development of a pathology learning module. Projects will be determined in consultation with a Pathology faculty member.

 

Independent study and systematic review and analysis of the medical literature, experimental design and analysis, and effective communication skills will be emphasized. Within the pathology laboratories students will be exposed to a number of techniques that are used in modern pathology research (e.g. immunochemistry, FACS, molecular pathology, image analysis, gross and microscopic examination of tissues). Students will be required to present a one page initial project description and a final written report and oral presentation. Student will conduct this activity throughout year 2.

During the research project students will:

• Develop a familiarity with a variety of methodologies in common use in pathology research laboratories.
• Develop skills in the formulation of a hypothesis and the design and execution of a research project.
• Develop the analytical skills required to conduct research in pathology, perform the associated data presentation and analysis, and derive appropriate conclusions.
• Develop skills in critical evaluation of medical and scientific information.

• · Develop skills in oral and written communication.

They will be given a Complete/Incomplete.

YEAR 2 – ROTATION SCHEDULE
MONTH	PATHOL 9570 - Autopsy Rotation	PATHOL 9575 -Gross Rotation
July	Students 1 & 2	Students 3 & 4
August	Students 3 & 4	Students 1 & 2
September/October	Students 1 & 2	Students 3 & 4
November /December	Students 3 & 4	Students 1 & 2
January/February	Students 1 & 2	Students 3 & 4
March/April	Students 3 & 4	Students 1 & 2

 

Year 2
COMMUNITY HOSPITAL PLACEMENT
Month	Community hospitals	Student
May	Guelph, Kitchener, Windsor, Chatham	Students will be given their placement information in early march.
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