Pathalogy, Pathopysiology and Pharmacology

SPU225

In the course, students will get an introduction to pathology, pharmacology and disease theory. Pathology includes anatomical changes in disease and general mechanisms of disease. Theory of disease includes causes of disease, mechanisms of disease, symptoms and signs, treatment and prevention of disease. Pharmacology is the doctrine of drugs and of the mechanisms and effects of drugs in the body.

The subject SPU225 Pathology and pharmacology is a theoretical topic. The course is a medical and natural science course that provides introduction to pathology, pharmacology and disease theory in somatics, psychiatry, pediatrics and geriatrics.

Pathology includes anatomical changes in disease and general disease mechanisms, as well as how disease changes organ functions (pathophysiology).

Pathology includes causes of illness (etiology), disease mechanisms, symptoms and signs, examination, observation and mapping of symptoms and behavior, treatment of symptoms, illness and disorders, expected outcome of the disease (prognosis) and prevention of disease.

Pharmacology is the doctrine of medicine. General pharmacology consists of pharmacodynamics and kinetics. Pharmacodynamics deals with the mechanism of action and effect of drugs in the body. Pharmacokinetics deals with how drugs are taken up, transported, broken down and excreted by the body. Clinical pharmacology includes indications for the use of medications, mechanisms of action, common side effects and interactions.

Admission is based on general Higher Education Entrance Qualification or prior learning and work experience according to current rules.

After completing the course, the student is expected to:

Knowledge

Can describe pathophysiological processes that lead to acute, long-term illness and compound disorders

Has knowledge of somatic diseases and mental disorders and can explain their causal relationships, disease processes, symptoms, investigation, treatment, prognosis and prevention

Can explain pharmacology related to pharmacokinetics and dynamics, mechanisms of action of drugs included in the course and explain their most common side effects and interactions

Skills

Can apply professional knowledge to identify symptoms, see causal relationships and be able to initiate and justify nursing professional assessments and measures

General competence

Have insight into illness and disorders in relation to life course, social and epidemiological conditions, health promotion and disease prevention work

No tuition fees. Semester fees and cost of course literature apply.

Lectures, supervision and group work

Evaluation using mid-term and final surveys. Students are also encouraged to participate in the central quality surveys.

None

Individual written exam. The exam is in two parts. 1st psychiatric: 3 hours, 25%. 2nd part somatics: 5 hours, 75%. Character Scale: A-F.

Mandatory participation in case work with supervision. Case work with opposition must be completed in order to prepare for the exam.

None

Passed subjects from 1 academic year

Overlap refers to a similarity between courses with the same content. Therefore, you will receive the following reduction in credits if you have taken the courses listed below:

SPU220 - Medical/surgical nursing, pathophysiology and pharmacology - 15 credits