The course covers disease processes and associated morphological changes in the organs of the body. The teaching is divided into general and special pathology.

In general pathology, an introduction is given to basic concepts of disease. The student will gain insight into important general types of disease such as inflammation, atherosclerosis and tumors. Special pathology is based on what is taught in the general part. Here, the student will learn how concepts of diseasse processes can be recognized in affected organs.

Microscopic and macroscopic changes in the cells and tissues as a result of disease is a central topic both in general and special pathology. This knowledge will enable the student to comprehend the changes in the body caused by disease.

- Knowledge about the principles of general disease processes including terminology and definitions

- Knowledge about causes of disease (etiology) and mechanisms of disease (pathogenesis)

- Knowledge about how the most common diseases are expressed in each organ, borth microscopically and macroscopically

- Knowledge about key processes and signs of cancer and cancer development.

- Be able to distinguish between normal and clearly pathological tissues and organs, both microscopically and macroscopically.

- Be able to describe the relationship between the patients disease history and findings done in cells, tissue and organ.

- Be able to explain the characteristics of benign and malignant tumors

- Be able to understand pathology reports in response to patient samples submitted to a pathology department.

- Understsand that knowledge of pathological changes in cells, tissues and organs is fundamental for the physicians comprehension of disease.

- Be able to communicate with the pathologist about investigations and findings in connection with patient diagnostics

Two exams are given during the course.

First exam (MEDPAT1): Following the teaching of general pathology in the first paraclinical block, a web-based examination will be given. Here the students must answer six questions from general pathology. This test counts as 3 credits and must be passed before a student can take the final exam in pathology.

Fina exam (MEDPAT-A or MEDPAT-B): this exam counts as 10 credits, and will be given during two days at the end of the fourth paraclinical block. The first day is a four-hour written exam with four tasks from general and special pathology. The second day is a practical exam which lasts two hours. there are usually 36 tasks, each consisting of two questions (A,B). In question A, the student should make a diagnosis on the basis of disease changes in a fixed specimen, an image or a histological section. Question B, is thematically linked to question A, will cover the wholde subject of pathology, and requires a concise answer.

Exam after 1.paraclinical block: Pass - Not Passed

Final exam after 4.paraclinical block: Grades A - F