General Comparative Pathology and Laboratory Analysis

Aim of Comparative General Pathology and Laboratory Analyses is to provide students with knowledge related to causes and mechanisms of disease, at cellular and tissue level with possible general involvement. Knowledge concerning pathophysiology and the main defensive systems of the animal and their failure in course of disease will be provided as well. Examples with particular emphasis on the comparative aspects of disease mechanism in companion animals will be shown. Along with theoretical information, aim of the course is to introduce students to the techniques employed in a diagnostic laboratory, from the execution to the interpretation of specific analyses able to recognize pathological and physiopathological conditions in companion animals, to be applied for the disease prevention.

1. Knowledge and Understanding: The student will learn the mechanisms, causes, and consequences of pathological processes and pathophysiological alterations in animals. Additionally, the student will learn the main techniques used in diagnostic biological laboratories and molecular pathology laboratories.
2. Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding: By the end of the course, the student must demonstrate the ability to apply the acquired knowledge by recognizing pathological and pathophysiological alterations. The student must also demonstrate the ability to perform basic biomedical laboratory techniques and apply molecular pathology methodologies. The student will be able to interpret the results of biomedical laboratory analyses in companion animals, recognizing pathological and physiological states.
3. Making judgements: The student must demonstrate the ability to critically discuss the acquired information. Specific practical exercises in clinical pathology and molecular pathology laboratories are aimed at this purpose. Furthermore, students will propose topics for bibliographic research to be conducted collaboratively in the classroom.
4. Communication: The student must demonstrate the ability to express themselves using scientifically appropriate terminology, particularly concerning the terminology related to pathological and pathophysiological alterations at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels in companion animals. Additionally, students should use the correct terminology for diagnostic analytical methods and the instruments used in analysis laboratories to encourage correct expression and scientific discussion with peers.
5. Lifelong Learning Skills: The student must demonstrate the ability to use the acquired knowledge to independently deepen their understanding of pathology, pathophysiology, and immunopathology in companion animals, as well as diagnostic analytical methods in hematology, clinical biochemistry, and molecular pathology. This should be supported by available knowledge sources and good mental organization.