This document provides the syllabus for the RSC 325: Clinical Pathophysiology course offered in the summer of 2012. The course will be taught over 4 weeks and cover topics such as cellular structure and function, fluid and electrolyte disorders, immune disorders, inflammation, infections, cancer, and disorders of the hematological system. Evaluation will include quizzes, case studies, and a final exam. The syllabus outlines course objectives, required materials, instruction methods, attendance policies, and the grading scale. The course is designed to help students understand normal and abnormal pathophysiological principles related to common health problems.

1. RSC 325: Clinical Pathophysiology
SYLLABUS
Summer Semester 2012
Course Coordinator and Faculty
Dr. Mahmoud Kaddoura, PhD, CAGS, MSN, MED
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2. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
School of Radiologic Sciences
RSC 325
Clinical Pathophysiology
Summer 2012
4 Credits
Course Coordinator and Faculty
Mahmoud Kaddoura PhD, CAGS, MSN, MED
Office Hours: Mondaya and Thursdays 10:30 a.m. – 12 Noon
Griffin 304
Phone: 617-274-3381
Email: Mahmoud.kaddoura@mcphs.edu
Course Meetings
Day/Time: Mondays and Thursdays 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and as designated by faculty,
Online
Location: Fennel, Room 113
Campus: Boston
Course Description:
Students build on prerequisite biological sciences courses and gain foundational
knowledge regarding normal and abnormal pathophysiological principles. Students learn
the etiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of selected health problems across
the lifespan in diverse populations. Students explore current research findings relevant to
the pathophysiology of common illnesses. Students analyze laboratory data in light of
actual and potential pathophysiological processes. Special emphasis is given to the case
study analysis of pathophysiological manifestations and related complications of
common health problems.
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3. Course objectives:
Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:
1. Describe the pathophysiology for selected health problems across the lifespan.
2. Explain the developmental physiology, usual etiologies, pathogenesis, and clinical
manifestations of commonly seen altered health states.
3. Describe the genetic relationship, cultural and ethnic considerations of relevant health
problems across the lifespan.
4. Analyze the relationship between normal physiology and pathological phenomena
produced by altered states across the life span.
5. Explain the complications associated with selected health problems.
6. Analyze evidence-based research literature and use it to explain the diagnosis,
mechanisms of signs and symptoms, and treatment of selected case studies.
Required texts and materials:
Required:
Gould, B. & Dyer, R. (2012). Pathophysiology for the Health Professions (4th ed.). St.
Louis, MO: Saunders/Elsevier. ISBN-13: 978-1-4377-0965-0.
Recommended:
Gould, B. & Dyer, R. (2012). Study Guide for Pathophysiology for the Health
Professions (4th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders/Elsevier. ISBN-13: 978-1-4377-1456-2.
Methods of Instruction:
Methods of instruction for the course may include, lecture, on-line content, use of
technology and media, guest speakers, discussion, weekly assignments, and case studies.
Learning in the course will be enhanced by the use of Blackboard technology.
Methods of Evaluation:
1. Quizzes (4 total- 12.5% each) 50%
2. Case Studies 20%
3. Comprehensive Final Examination 20%
4. Pop quizzes, prompt attendance and active participation 10%
100%
Quizzes
There will be five quizzes that will measure student progress on a sequential basis during
the course. Questions on the quizzes will be derived from the content of the course prior
to each quiz, including questions from the text book, online content, power point slides,
and/or other appropriate resources. The quizzes are not cumulative and will include only
the content not tested on prior to each quiz. Some of the quizzes will be taken in class and
some others will be taken online, according to the discretion of the course faculty.
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4. Case Studies
Students will respond to the case studies related to the online content of this course.
For each of the case studies, students are required to read the assigned readings and
related evidence-based research literature first, and then analyze the cases to answer the
open-ended questions related to the diagnosis, pathophysiology of signs and symptoms,
and treatment of the clients in the selected case studies. The answers to each case study
should be concise (less than one page per case using any format). Completed responses
should be posted in the Case Studies Forum on blackboard and a hardcopy should be
handed to the professor on or before the due deadline. Though this is not a group project,
please take the opportunity to read other responses and feel free to add comments and
discuss why you agree or disagree with the postings of your peers based on evidence-
based practice and research. Please complete your answer to each case study within one
page, single spaced, and using 12 point font.
Final Examination
The comprehensive final examination will measure students‟ understanding of the entire
content covered throughout the course. Questions on the comprehensive final exam will
be derived from all sources of learning materials utilized in the course to include the text
book, online content, power point slides, and/or other appropriate resources.
Pop quizzes, prompt attendance and active participation
Students are expected to have a pop quiz any time the professor decides, at the beginning
of any session he chooses. The questions of the pop quizzes are derived from the assigned
readings for the day of the pop quiz. Students are required to attend all classes and
participate actively in the discussion of each session to foster their active learning.
Although the pop quizzes, prompt attendance, and active participation are allotted 10% of
the final grade, the course coordinator and faculty reserves the right to add up to 10% to
the grade of those students who always show up to class on time and come very well
prepared, participate actively in the classroom discussion, perform excellently in the pop
quizzes, and reflect their adequate preparation and understanding of the content in class.
Grading Criteria:
A 4.0 100-94
A- 3.7 93-90
B+ 3.3 89-87
B 3.0 86-83
B- 2.7 82-80
C+ 2.3 79-78
C 2.0 77-73 (minimum passing grade is 75%)
C- 1.7 72-70
D 1.0 69-60
F 0.0 <60
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5. The MCPHS School of Radiologic Sciences practice is to eliminate decimal points and to
assign whole numbers as final course grades. The "rounding up” of a final grade is based
on 0.50 or above, not 0.49, 0.48, etc. For example, if the student grade is 72.49 or less,
his/her final grade of record is 72. On the other hand, if the student grade is 72.50 or
above, then his/her final grade of record is 73.
Course Requirements: It is the responsibility of the student to complete all reading
assignments prior to lecture and lab. All students are expected to be punctual for every
class and very well prepared to take a pop quiz at the beginning of each in class session.
Cell phones or any other electronic device are not to be used in the lecture hall. Any
student using one of these devices will be asked to leave the class immediately. Please
note; A ringing phone means you are using it. So turn phones off when you come to
class. Failure to comply will result in the student being asked to leave the class.
Assessment of Student Learning and Teaching Effectiveness
Students will be asked to provide regular class evaluations via „minute paper‟ submission
(anonymous) and through Socratic dialogue. In addition, students will participate in
computerized end of course evaluations (confidential).
Students with Disabilities
Students with documented disabilities who wish to request reasonable accommodations
under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act
should contact the Coordinator of Disability Support Services in the Academic Support
services office (Boston Campus 617-732-2755) to discuss the accommodations process.
Plagiarism
Students are expected to abide by the College‟s Academic Honesty Policy as explained in
the MCPHS Student Handbook. Plagiarism is considered a violation of this policy.
Plagiarism is defined as submitting another person‟s work as one‟s own without proper
acknowledgment or using the words or ideas of others without crediting the source of
those words or ideas.
E-mail:
All MCPHS students are required to open, utilize, and maintain (i.e. keep storage within
the maximum set by IS) an MCPHS e-mail account. All students are responsible for
regularly checking their MCPHS e-mail and for the information contained therein. Please
check and empty your email accounts regularly, if your email account is full you will not
receive email sent by the instructor. Only MCPHS accounts will be used in all matters
related to academics, student life, and College notifications. The College does not
forward MCPHS e-mail to personal e-mail accounts.
*Please check and empty your email accounts regularly, if your email account is full you
will not receive email sent by the professor. This will not be considered an adequate
excuse for not completing assignments.
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6. *Please email course faculty via mcphs.edu accounts and not via my.mcphs.edu
(Blackboard). Additionally, please allow 24-48 hours for faculty response.
Quiz/Exam Reviews
All students will have the opportunity to review exams. This process is used to help
students determine how to improve the way they prepare for and take tests. After the
exam is taken and the grade is posted by the respective faculty member, there will be a
designated time to allow students to review the exam. If the student has any questions or
concerns regarding the exam they should meet with respective faculty during posted
office hours or by appointment. Once the review has taken place, students will have
no further access to their quizzes/exams for security reasons.
Attendance and Absences from Examinations
Regular class attendance is mandatory. Absences of more than six (6) didactic hours
will result in a final grade reduction of one full letter grade (e.g. B to C). Absences of
more than nine (9) didactic hours will result in a failing grade for the course.
In the case of illness or prolonged absence, it is the student‟s responsibility to notify the
office of Academic Support Services (Boston) and his/her course faculty within 24-48
hours from the first date of absence. With acceptable documentation from a student, an
official memorandum will be issued notifying faculty of an excused absence. In the case
of an approved, excused absence, the course faculty will make reasonable attempts to
assist the student to satisfy requirements of the course (e.g., make up exams).
Students are expected to abide by instructions in each course syllabus regarding student
responsibilities related to class absences. Students who fail to do so may be ineligible to
receive an excused absence, regardless of the reason for the absence. With respect to
completion of work missed, if an acceptable agreement between the student and professor
cannot be reached, the School Dean will serve as arbitrator (reference MCPHS Catalog
2009-2012, p.71). The faculty has the right whether or not to allow make up tests.
Late Papers (Case Studies)
Students may only make up missed class assignments, quizzes, and exams if an “excused
absence” has been granted and if the faculty approves. Graded work that is missed due to
an “unexcused absence” will be assigned a grade of ZERO. Students are expected to
submit all papers on the dates listed in the syllabus unless an extension has been granted
by course faculty. Late papers will be marked down by 5 points for each late day,
including weekends and holidays. Issues/concerns regarding the completion and or
submission of the assignment must be brought to the attention of the course faculty prior
to the due date of the assignment. Grades will not be re-considered after submission of
the assignment and subsequent posting of the grade.
Attendance Policy
MCPHS supports a learner-centered environment. Attendance and participation in
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7. classroom learning experiences directly correlates with successful course completion and
represents a basic professional behavior. Therefore, students are responsible to come to
class on time prepared, and engage in their own learning and professional comportment.
Students are expected to attend all classes. Regardless of whether they attend all
classes or not, students are responsible for all class content and assignments.
Under no circumstances may lectures be recorded.
Students may only make up missed class assignments, quizzes, and exams if an
excused absence has been granted and if the faculty approves a makeup. Graded
work that is missed due to an unexcused absence will be assigned a grade of “0”.
The course faculty/school administrative assistant must be notified of an absence
as soon as possible the morning of the day of the absence. If reasons prevent the
student from providing prior notice, the students must inform the appropriate
Dean and responsible faculty member/ administrative assistant of the absence as
soon as possible, not after 3:00 pm of the same day.
Punctuality
Punctuality is expected of students for all classes. Neither tardiness nor leaving early
will be tolerated, as it impacts adversely upon the student‟s learning experience and is
disruptive to fellow students and faculty. The faculty has adopted a standard practice to
minimize disruption to the classroom learning environment by closing the classroom at
the start of the class session. Students who arrive to a class session after the door is closed
must wait to enter the classroom at the first break. Students will be held accountable for
all missed material.
Other policies pertaining to punctuality are as follows:
Students who are late to class without an approved excused absence may be
denied the opportunity to take a scheduled examination, quiz, or pop quiz at the
faculty‟s discretion. Students with an excused absence, tardiness, or early
departure are expected to complete the required work and obtain handouts, etc.,
from classmates, and are responsible for learning the missed material.
Students are expected to stay for the entire duration of the class. If a student must
leave early, it is expected that the student will present an approved excused reason
for leaving early (approved by the appropriate Dean/Assistant Dean in advance).
If a student leaves early without a prior excused reason for doing so, the final
course grade will be dropped by ½ letter grade. More than one unexcused early
departure may result in failure of the course.
Disclaimer: Please note that this syllabus is not a contract. The course coordinator and faculty (Dr.
Kaddoura) will make every possible attempt to abide by the information and policies/
guidelines contained within this syllabus. In the event of a change to anything in this
document, students will be given advanced notice.
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8. RSC 325: Clinical Pathophysiology
Course Outline
Date Course Content Assigned Reading
Week 1  Review of Syllabus and Course Requirements Gould/WB Chapter 1, 7, 12
Monday
14 May  Introduction to Pathophysiology
o Cellular Structure and Function
o Cellular responses to stress, injury and aging
o Cell Proliferation and tissue regeneration and repair
o Genetic control of cellular function
Week 1  Disorders of Fluid and Electrolytes Gould/WB Chapter 6
Thursday  Disorders of Nutrition
17 May
Week 2  Immune Disorders Gould/WB Chapter 3
Monday o Hypersensitivity disorders
21 May o Autoimmune diseases
o Immunodeficiency disorders
Week 2  Pathophysiology of Inflammation , Inflammatory Gould/WB Chapters 2,4
Thursday Response and fever
24 May  Infection
o Infectious Diseases
o New and emerging infectious diseases
Week 3 ONLINE SESSION (NOT in Class) MEMORIAL DAY
Monday  Cancer and Oncology Disorders
28 May
Week 3 Quiz 1 Online Due (Content of Weeks 1 and 2)
Thursday ONLINE SESSION (NOT in Class)
31 May  Various Types of Cancers
Week 4  Disorders of Hematology System Gould/WB Chapters 5,17
Monday o Hematological system overview
4 June o Disorders of red blood cells
 Anemias
 Polycythemia Vera
 Age-related changes to RBC‟s
o Disorders of white blood cells
 Neutropenia
o Neoplastic Disorders
 Leukemias
 Malignant lymphomas
 Plasma Cell Dyscrasias
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9. Week 4 ONLINE SESSION (NOT in Class) Gould/WB Chapters
Thursday  Thromboembolic Disorders 17,18,19 (focus reading on
7 June o Coagulopathies assigned topics)
o Bleeding disorders
o Coagulation disorders
o DIC
Week 5 Case Studies Due in Class Gould/WB Chapter 18
Monday  Cardiovascular Disorders
11 June o Acute Coronary Syndromes
o Hypertension
o Lipid Disorders
o Heart Failure
o Conduction disorders
o Shock
Week 5 Quiz 2 Online Due (Content of Weeks 3 and 4) Gould/WB Chapter 13
Thursday ONLINE SESSION (NOT in Class)
14 June  Pain
o Headache
o Acute Pain
o Chronic Pain
Week 6  Diseases of the Respiratory System Gould/WB Chapter 19
Monday o Asthma
18 June o Chronic Obstructive Airway Disorders
 Emphysema
 Chronic Bronchitis
o Respiratory Tract Infections
 Pneumonia
 Common Cold
 Cystic Fibrosis
 Tuberculosis
Week 6  Diseases of Renal Function Gould/WB Chapter 21
Thursday o Urinary Tract Infections
21 June o Urolithiasis
o Nephrosclerosis
o Polycystic Kidney Disease
o Renal Failure (Acute and Chronic)
Week 7  Disorders of the Gastrointestinal tract, liver and biliary Gould/WB Chapter 20
Monday system
25 June o Hiatal Hernia
o Gastroesophageal Reflux disease
o Gastritis
o Peptic Ulcer Disease
o Dumping Syndrome
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10. o Gallbladder disorders
o Jaundice
o Hepatitis
o Cirrhosis
o Acute Pancreatitis
o Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
o Appendicitis
o Diverticular Disease
Week 7 Quiz 3 Online Due (Content of Weeks 5 and 6) Gould WB Chapters 22,23
Thursday  Diseases of the Nervous System
26 June o Review of the nervous system, structure and
function
o Disorders of neuromuscular function
 ALS
 MS
 Myasthenia Gravis
o Disorders of brain function
 Stroke
 Seizures
 Parkinson‟s Disease
 Alzheimer‟s Disease
Week 8  Diseases of Sensory Function Gould/WB Chapter 24
Monday o Disorders of Eye
2 July  Glaucoma
 Cataracts
 Macular degeneration
o Disorders of the Ear
 Hearing loss
 Ear infections
Week 8 ONLINE SESSION (NOT in Class) INDEPENDENCE Gould/WB Chapters 21
Thursday  Genitourinary and Reproduction
5 July o Male genitourinary system
o Disorders of the male genitourinary system
o The female reproductive system
o Disorders of the female reproductive system
 Sexually transmitted infections
Week 9  Diseases of Endocrine Glands Gould/WB Chapter 25
Monday o Pituitary and Growth Disorders
9 July o Thyroid Disorders
o Disorders of Adrenal Cortical Function
 Diseases of the Pancreas
o Diabetes Mellitus
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11. Week 9 Quiz 4 Online Due (Content of Weeks 7 and 8) Gould/WB Chapters 26
Thursday  Disorders of the musculoskeletal system
12 July o Osteoporosis
o Osteomalacia
o Paget‟s Disease
o Osteoarthritis
o Rheumatoid Arthritis
o Fibromyalgia
o Multiple Sclerosis
o Gout
Week 10  Diseases of the Skin Gould/WB Chapter 27
Monday o Contact dermatitis
16 July o Urticaria
o Eczema
o Psoriasis
o Scleroderma
o Skin Cancers
Week 10 Final Exam Review
Thursday
19 July
Week 11 Comprehensive Final Exam
Monday All the Best and God Bless
23 July
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