HUMPATH02 Human pathology

Human pathology is the study of the molecular and cellular processes, driving the initiation, progression, and resolution of human disease. These processes include inflammation, cell injury and death, fibrosis, and dysregulation of immunity, metabolism, and cell growth. This discipline delves into how the body's response to dysregulation of homeostasis or normal tissue structure and function by injurious agents occurs. A comprehensive understanding of the various mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis is fundamental to all clinical and research disciplines. This knowledge is then utilised to define how organ systems fail during disease and injury, which is critical for subsequent diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic intervention. This is vital in essential organ systems such as the central nervous system, gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts, blood and vasculature, and skin. Human pathology draws upon key disciplines such as biochemistry, microbiology, immunology and developmental biology and involves the development of skills commonly used in the laboratory such as microscopy, histological staining techniques, data analysis, diagnosis and problem solving.

You will be exposed to the study of disease mechanisms from a clinical and research perspective. Research has always been the foundation of pathology since understanding disease mechanisms provides us with answers on how to test for a disease in the clinic or laboratory, as well as how we can prevent and treat a specific disease. Monash University undertakes world renowned research in specific disciplines of pathology including the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases (ACBD) at the Alfred Research Alliance (ARA), the various departments at the clinical schools, as well as its partner institutes the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and the Burnet Institute. You will receive lectures from researchers and clinician-scientists working at the clinical school sites (including its partner institutes) who are at the forefront of translational medicine.

The study of human pathology is fundamental for medical research or clinical and laboratory medicine. Graduates with a major in human pathology may gain employment in biomedical research, diagnostic laboratories in hospitals or private pathology labs. Other career paths may include the biopharmaceutical industry, clinical trials, commercial and patent law, research and development, or health administration.

Availability
Human pathology is listed in S2000 Bachelor of Science, S3001 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours) and S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours) at Clayton as a major.

The human pathology major is not available in the double degree course S2007 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedical Science.