FOUNDATIONS OF DISEASE FIVE - PATHOLOGY OF THE HAEMOPOIETIC AND LYMPHOID SYSTEMS AND CLINICAL PATHOLOGY OF BODY SYSTEMS - 2025/6

Module Overview

This module introduces the student to clinical pathology of body systems and to the pathology of the haematopoietic and lymphoid systems. The student will familiarise with the clinical pathology tests used to evaluate animal health; these will include haematology, biochemistry related to the function of different body systems and cytology of organs, fluids and neoplasia . The response of the haematopoietic and lymphoid systems to invasion by viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungal agents will be discussed. All diseases will be presented in context of One Health and underpinned with clinical case examples.

Module provider

School of Veterinary Medicine

Module Leader

ALNAJJAR Sarhad (Vet Med)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Terminology and appropriate units to use for a range of basic laboratory tests and laboratory test abnormalities.




Factors affecting the calculations and use of reference intervals.




Uses and applications of laboratory tests in the evaluation of animal health and in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of disease in different animal species




Morphology, functions and main disorders of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets; and the appropriate procedures to evaluate these cells in a blood smear.




Basis of the more important coagulation tests, and expected changes in test results in the common coagulopathies.




Main animal blood group systems and tests that should be carried out before a transfusion is performed




Basic criteria for the selection and interpretation of the results of biochemical tests for the clinical investigation in abnormalities of: 

• Organs systems- e.g. liver, kidney, alimentary, endocrine


• Biochemical parameters e,g. glucose, electrolytes, minerals.

Exfoliative cytology of masses, organs and body fluids other than blood




Plan and equip an in-practice laboratory, including basic instruments, stains, reagents and other supplies




Interpret laboratory test results using appropriate reference intervals and with consideration of available clinical information




Pathology of the haematopoietic system – congenital, infectious, inflammatory, immune-mediated, toxic, congenital disorders, degenerative conditions




Neoplasia of the haemopoietic system, histopathology and cytology of lymphomas




Pathology and pathogenesis of infectious pathogens causing haemorrhagic (DIC) haemolytic diseases and septicaemia (Anthrax)




Blood protozoal infections I – Trypanosoma, Plasmodidae, Leishmania, Babesia, Theileria




Rickettsiales and Coxiella burnetii – bacteria targeting blood cells




Example of viral pathogens causing haemorrhagic diseases: Pathogenesis of  Flaviviridae, Orbiviruses, Asfarviridae




 




PBL case – 4 hours





 

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Problem Based Learning  - the alternative to the group oral presentation is an individual oral presentation  Practical report alternative assessment is the preparation of a reflective writing report on an area related to this module

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate

• Practical skills in examining, recognising, describing and interpreting gross and microscopic specimens and laboratory result abnormalities


• Record writing ability and understanding and use of terminology


• Encourage teamwork and participation in group learning both in the practical sessions and the PBL cases.


• Content knowledge of general pathology and infectious and non-infectious disease mechanisms

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• PBL group presentation – 10%


• Practical report – 10%


• Written examination – 80%

(Exam Units are onsite closed-booked invigilated fixed-time assessments. They are delivered through SurreyLearn using campus PC Labs)

Formative assessment and feedback

Formative assessments: Instructor and peer assessments 

 

Module aims

• Provide an understanding of clinical pathology and how it may be used to evaluate health and disease in the veterinary patient
• Introduce the terminology of systemic haematopoietic and lymphoid pathology based on aetiopathogenesis, and gross and microscopic appearance of non-infectious and infectious lesions.
• Develop the students abilities to recognise, describe, and interpret the abnormal for the veterinary patient utilising appropriate terminology and methodology

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• Provide infectious and non-infectious disease pathology in the context of One health, One medicine


• Allow students to develop skills in examining gross and microscopic pathological specimens, describing and interpreting them


• Provide students with the skills to record pathological findings using appropriate terminology


• Allow students to develop laboratory abilities and skills in interpreting abnormal laboratory results

The learning and teaching methods include:

Lectures, flipped classroom, small group sessions, PBL cases, practical classes using microscopy and anatomic pathologic specimens and images. 

 

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: VMS2005

Other information

The Surrey Framework consists of the attributes: employability, global and cultural capabilities, digital capabilities, sustainability resourcefulness and resilience. This module includes the following vital topics, which further develop one or more of the attributes as indicated.

Students will enhance their employability and digital capability in PBL sessions by group working and presenting clinical cases to peers and assessers, including the creation of PowerPoint. 

Digital capability is also developed with the submission of practical reports online and using digital pathology images. 

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.