SCOPE:
This course focuses on the fundamental mechanisms underlying disease processes, with particular attention to the pathophysiology of various disorders across multiple systems. It covers a wide range of conditions affecting the central nervous system, psychiatric disorders, cancer, pain-related conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, and more. The course emphasizes the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and complications associated with these diseases. Students will gain an understanding of how these conditions arise, progress, and affect physiological functions. Additionally, the course will explore factors such as genetics, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices that contribute to the initiation and development of diseases.
The content also addresses the clinical implications and challenges of managing various pathologies, with a specific focus on recognizing disease patterns, understanding their biological basis, and diagnosing these conditions effectively. The course will also provide an in-depth study of systemic diseases like cancer, mental health disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, and conditions in obstetrics, gynaecology, ophthalmology, and dermatology. Students will explore how diseases manifest clinically, their progression, and their impact on the human body. The course also introduces students to the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in predicting disease progression, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and supporting clinical decision-making in the context of complex pathophysiological conditions. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge to analyse the pathophysiological mechanisms and apply this understanding to clinical practice, providing optimal patient care in diverse healthcare settings.
COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of the subject student shall be able to
KNOWLEDGE
K1 : Define the basic terminologies related to the pathophysiology of infectious, musculoskeletal, neurological, and psychiatric disorders.
K2 : Classify tumours and differentiate between benign and malignant neoplasms.
K3 : Describe the mechanisms underlying pain and its related disorders.
K4 : Examine the emerging role of AI in understanding the complex pathological processes.
K5 : Analyse how the body reacts to eliminate the disease and the functional changes associated with the disease.
K6 : Explore the pathophysiology basis of chronic diseases and their societal impact.
SKILL
S1 : Differentiate between normal and abnormal inflammatory responses related to the disease conditions.
S2 : Evaluate a disease condition based on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
S3 : Apply critical thinking in the context of the pathophysiology of various diseases involving multiple systems.
S4 : Interpret signs and symptoms of infectious diseases and correlate them with diagnostic test results for accurate diagnosis and prognosis.
S5 : Integrate knowledge of environmental risk factors to propose preventive health strategies.
S6: Exhibit competency in diagnosing and discussing cancer progression and management options.
ATTITUDE:
A1 : Appreciate the diversity of patients’ cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values in the context of pathophysiological conditions.
A2 : Counsel patients about their disorders, including its pathophysiology, risk factors, and management strategies.
A3 : Recognize the emotional and psychological aspects of illness and demonstrating sensitivity in interactions with patients, families, and caregivers
A4 : Create awareness among patients on the importance of lifestyle recommendations, such as diet modification, exercise, and stress management, to optimize overall health.
A5 : Demonstrate confidence in pathophysiology knowledge when assessing a patient’s condition.
A6 : Reflect on inter professional approaches to improve health outcomes for people with common health conditions.
LECTURE WISE CONTENTS:
Definition, Etiology, Pathogenesis, Clinical manifestations, and complications of the following diseases
UNIT- I Disorders of Central Nervous System 5 Hours
- Alzheimer’s disease (2 hr)
- Parkinsonism (1 hr)
- Epilepsy (2 hr)
UNIT- II Psychiatric disorders 6 Hours
- Schizophrenia (2 hr)
- Affective disorders (1 hr)
- Anxiety disorders (1 hr)
- Sleep disorders (1 hr)
- Obsessive compulsive disorders (1 hr)
UNIT- III Cancer Pathophysiology 7 Hours
- General aspects of neoplasia and definition, terminology, Classification of tumours and differences between benign and malignant tumours (1 hr)
- General biology of tumours (1 hr)
- Etiology and pathogenesis of cancer (1 hr)
- Biological effects of radiation (1 hr)
- Spread of malignant tumours (1 hr)
- Invasions and metastasis (1 hr)
- Patterns of spread, disturbances of growth of cells and Histological diagnosis of malignancy (1 hr)
UNIT- IV Pain & related disorders 5 Hours
- Pain pathway (2 hr)
- Neuralgias (1 hr)
- Headaches (1 hr)
UNIT- V Gastrointestinal disorders 8 Hours
- Peptic ulcer disease (2 hr)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (2 hr)
- Liver cirrhosis & alcoholic liver disease (3 hr)
- Hepatitis & Jaundice (1 hr)
UNIT- X: Musculoskeletal disorders 6 Hours
- Rheumatoid arthritis (2 hr)
- Osteoarthritis (1 hr)
- Gout (1 hr)
- Systemic lupus erythematous (1 hr)
- Spondylitis (1 hr)
UNIT VII Disorders of Obstetrics & Gynaecology 3 Hours
- Dysmenorrhea (1 hr)
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (1 hr)
- Infertility (1 hr)
UNIT VIII Disorders of Ophthalmology 4 Hours
- Glaucoma (2 hr)
- Viral & bacterial conjunctivitis (2 hr)
UNIT IX Disorders of Dermatology 5 Hours
- Psoriasis (2 hr)
- Eczema (1 hr)
- Impetigo (1 hr)
- Scabies (1 hr)
UNIT-XI: Application of AI in understanding disease mechanisms and predicting disease progression 1 Hour
- AI in cancer: early detection, tumour classification, and prognosis prediction to guide personalised treatment decisions
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting the roles of amyloid plaques, tau tangles, and neuro inflammation in disease pathogenesis.
- Investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in cancer metastasis, highlighting the role of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and micro environmental factors in tumour spread.
- Analyse the pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic pain in disorders such as neuropathy and fibromyalgia, focusing on neuroplasticity, central sensitization, and the role of pain modulators.
- Role of immune system dysfunction, microbial dysbiosis, and environmental factors in IBD.
- Molecular basis of hepatic fibrosis in liver cirrhosis and alcoholic liver disease, with an emphasis on signalling pathways.
- Impact of neuro inflammation in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and affective disorders, exploring the contribution of cytokines, microglia, and neurotransmitter imbalances.
- Role of adipose tissue dysfunction, insulin resistance, and inflammatory mediators in Obesity.
- Neurobiological and pharmacological mechanisms underlying sleep disorders, with particular attention to the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle and the role of neurotransmitters in conditions like insomnia and sleep apnoea.
- Immune evasion mechanisms employed by pathogens in infectious diseases like TB and Malaria.
- Role of neurotransmitter systems in schizophrenia and affective