Understanding Pathology: An Analysis of Cell and Tissue Function in Biological Samples

Methods

1. Demonstrate understanding of fundamental pathological processes and apply knowledge of laboratory pathology techniques to analysis of cell and tissue function in biological samples.

What am I required to do in this assignment?

You will produce a concise and comprehensive report, related to the skills and knowledge developed in the pathology laboratory practical that evaluates the role of pathology in the clinical management of disease.

The practical is in 2 parts:

H&E staining

Microscopy & Histology

Aims:

Practical experience and understanding of staining process

Experience in use of microscope for histology

Development of histological understanding of tissue and identification of components

The format and contents for the report are as follows:

Introduction: Briefly explain the purpose of histological staining and its use in pathology. Explain how H&E stain works to provide contrast to

samples.

Methods: Describe the process of H&E staining, explaining the purpose of the steps, and why they are being done, NOT each step as a protocol.

Results: You will examine a ‘normal’ lung tissue and a pathological sample that you have stained (exchange slides if needed)  Use your microscope to identify areas of the samples to take photographs of that show appropriate structures in both normal and diseased

tissues Draw diagrammatic versions of your slides that show expected structures – eg alveolar structure, vascular endothelial structure. Digital images of your pictures will also be taken in the practical session.

You will be given a digital image of a known pathological sample to interpret / stage from an online cancer database

Briefly explain the characteristics of the pathology of the disease and how progression and prognosis can be determined from a histological sample.

Use at least 2 references discussing the disease to justify your assessment

What do I need to do to pass? (Threshold Expectations from UIF)

Produce a scientific report according to expectations described in the assignment brief.

Demonstrate understanding of relevant laboratory pathology techniques in the report.

Relate a relevant pathology test to the clinical management of disease in the report.

How do I produce high quality work that merits a good grade?

This assessment expects you to both demonstrate practical skills in preparation of samples and drawing. You will be assessed on your ability to produce clear drawings of good quality and appropriately labelled pictures that demonstrate the expected knowledge and understanding of the histology of the samples and the pathological processes taking place in the disease.

You will be expected to examine images and relate these to the staging and progression of the disease evidenced and relate this to appropriate literature, demonstrating skills in researching and understanding

How does this assignment relate to what we are doing in scheduled sessions?

The assignment is directly related to the course content in both practice and theory of histopathology. It involves translating knowledge and theory of commonly used techniques of light microscopy, samples preparation and H&E staining taught in in the lectures to its practical application in histopathological examination of samples in the laboratory practical sessions.

You will be asked to stain and examine tissue samples and relate these to the histopathological effects of disease on tissue. This will involve knowledge of the appearance of both normal and diseases samples and the effects of disease upon tissue.

This will be based upon knowledge and understanding of pathological processes covered within the lectures and workshops along with further self-directed research to reinforce and develop understanding.

How will my assignment be marked?

Your assignment will be marked according to the threshold expectations and the criteria on the following page.

You can use them to evaluate your own work and consider your grade before you submit.