Second Year (Part IB)

Department of Pathology

Pathology is concerned with the scientific study of disease, and is one of the foundations of medical science and practice. It encompasses all aspects of disease, including knowledge of the causes and effects, and how organisms respond. The cause of a disease is often an injury or infectious agent, though sometimes it results from certain defects or deficiencies. Knowledge of how an organism responds to disease is important as sometimes it arises as a result of those responses to injury or infection.

The Course

The overall aim of the Part IB Biology of Disease course is to explore the underlying general principles of Pathology and to illustrate them using specific examples. This endeavour encompasses a broad range of biological disciplines, including molecular biology, genetics, and cell biology. The lectures are closely integrated with practical sessions that take place twice each week.

NST, MedST and VetST students study together during Michaelmas and Lent terms. Additionally, NST students pursue a further course of lectures extending further into the scientific principles of infectious and non-communicable diseases. The courses consist of lectures and associated practical classes. The latter aim both to reinforce and to illustrate concepts presented in the lectures and also to give students opportunities for developing transferable skills.

The MedST and VetST Part IB course Biology of Disease is a compulsory core curriculum course for Medical and Veterinary Science students. In addition, many Natural Science Tripos students also elect to read Part IB Biology of Disease. Having already read one or more biological subjects in Part IA is an advantage, although not absolutely necessary. The aim of the courses is to provide an introduction to the processes of disease, including infection; inflammation and immunity; abnormalities of growth, including cancer; disorders of blood vessels and blood coagulation.