The Aga Khan University, School of Nursing and Midwifery

The Aga Khan University

School of Nursing and Midwifery
Masters of Science in Nursing
Programme

September 4, 2023 - December 29, 2023

Course Title: Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice

Credits: 3 (3-0)

Placement: Year I, Semester II

Day & Time: Monday – 1000-1300hrs

Faculty:
Dr. Naghma Rizvi (Course Coordinator) Ext 5257
Arusa Lakhani Ext 5373
Sehrish Sajjad Ext 5429
Dr Rubina Barolia (Mentor)

Email: arusa.lakhani@aku.edu
Naghma.rizvi@aku.edu
Sehrish.sajjad@aku.edu

Course Description:

This course provides an understanding of the advanced knowledge base of pathophysiologic

processes underlying human illness. A brief review of normal physiology and anatomy will be
included. Emphasis will be on the pathophysiology of selected disorders and diseases associated
with altered health states in adults. Laboratory and diagnostic data, as well as client assessment,
will be integrated.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Analyze the relationship between normal physiology and specific system alterations
produced by altered health states.
2. Describe the etiology, developmental considerations, pathogenesis and clinical
manifestations of specific disease processes.
3. Discuss the purpose, results, interpretation of procedures, and laboratory tests used in the
diagnosis of the clients with specific altered health states and organ system alterations.
4. Demonstrate or understand the concepts involved in the disease process (inflammation,
infection, immunity, cellular adaptation, aberrant cell growth) at the cellular level.

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5. Utilize multiple resources to support critical thinking and decision-making in assessing

alterations in normal physiology.
6. Apply evidenced based knowledge regarding pathophysiological changes.

Teaching/learning Strategies:

1. Interactive sessions
2. Small group work
3. Case studies

Course Expectations:

Students are expected to:

• Attend all classes and come prepared with required reading
• Make meaningful, regular contribution in class and PBL
• Complete assessments on the identified date and time.

Assessment Criteria:
S. No Description Weightage Dates
1. Continuous Assessment Tests (CATS) 60%
I (20% each) October 9, 2023
II November 6, 2023
III TBD
2. Problem Based learning (PBL) sessions 40%
(10% each)
September 25, 2023
Session I: Musculoskeletal October 9, 2023
Session II: Renal disorders November 20, 2023
Session III: Sepsis December 11, 2023
Session IV: Hematology
(coagulation disorders)

Reference list

Online books

Porth’s Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States

https://www.pdfdrive.com/porths-pathophysiology-concepts-of-altered-health-states-e195244869.html

Pathophysiology: The Biologic Basis for Disease in Adults and Children

https://www.pdfdrive.com/pathophysiology-the-biologic-basis-for-disease-in-adults-and-children-
e183944622.html

Pathophysiology of Disease: An Introduction to Clinical Medicine

https://www.pdfdrive.com/pathophysiology-of-disease-an-introduction-to-clinical-medicine-
e184049678.html
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Tierney, L. M., McPhee, S, J., & Papadakis, M. A. (2014). Current Medical Diagnosis &
Treatment. (53rd Ed.). NewYork: McGraw-Hill.

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Course Schedule
Monday (1000-1300 hours)
Week Date Topics Facilitator

1.
September 4, 2023 Introduction to course Course team
1.
1
Cell function and cellular aberration Dr Mati-ur Rehman
2. September 11, 2023 Infection and inflammation Dr Naghma
3. September 18, 2023 Immunity Dr Naghma
4. September 25, 2023 PBL 1 Musculoskeletal SS/AL/SR ----
5. October 2, 2023 Fluid & Electrolyte Imbalance Dr. Naghma
6. October 9, 2023 CAT I
Gastroenterology SS/AL/SNR
7. October 16, 2023 Acid-Base Imbalance SNR
8. October 23, 2023 Endocrine Disorders SNR
9. October 30, 2023 Cardiac disorders Dr Satwat Hashmi
10. November 6. 2023 CAT II AL, SS & SAR
Skin
11. November 13, 2023 PBL 3 Sepsis Dr Naghma
12. November 20, 2023 Gas exchange AL, SS & SAR
13. November 27, 2023 DM Patho and Pharma SNR & SS
14. December 4, 2023 Neurological Disorders Dr. Ambrin Fatima
15. December 11, 2023 Disorders of Reproductive sys TBA
16. December 18, 2023 CAT III* AL, SS & SNR
Genetics Dr. Ambrin Fatima
17. December 25, 2023 Exam Week

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Unit I: Cell Function and cellular Proliferation

1. Understand the functional component of the cell and its functions.

2. Explain the relationships among DNA, genes, and chromosomes.
3. Describe the pathways of cell communication and the phases of the cell cycle (cell
growth, replication of their genetic material, protein synthesis mitosis, and cytokinesis,)
4. Discuss the genetic control of cell function and inheritance.

UNIT 2: Fluid and electrolyte balance and imbalance

1. Understand the concept of various fluid compartments in the human body

and their composition.
2. Describe intracellular and extracellular edema along with its causes.
3. Explain the causes and consequences of sodium imbalance.

UNIT 3: Acid-base balance and imbalance

1. Understand the mechanisms by which pH is regulated by chemical and physiological

buffers
2. Understand the mechanism of acid-base balance in terms of metabolic acidosis
and alkalosis
3. Identify the abnormalities in acid-base balance along with its diagnosis and
mechanism(s) of compensation.

UNIT 4: Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation

1. Understand the process of infections, inflammations, and immunity

2. Describe the pathogenesis of disorders of white blood cells deficiencies
3. Describe the mechanism of inflammatory processes in the human body system

UNIT 5: Pain

1. Understand the concept of pain pathway and its types and relate to its pathophysiology
2. The basic principles of pain management.

UNIT 6: Disorders of Endocrine

1. Review the mechanism of hormonal control in terms of its actions, classification,

metabolism, and elimination
2. Review the general aspect of altered endocrine functions
3. Review the mechanism of hormonal control of thyroid hormone
4. Comprehend the physiology, manifestations, and diagnostic evaluation of
thyroid disorders (hyper and hypo)

UNIT 7: Disorders of the musculoskeletal system

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1. Review structure and functions of the musculoskeletal system

2. Describe the physiology, types, manifestations, and diagnostic evaluation of
common musculoskeletal disorders.

UNIT 8: Disorders of Cardiac Function

1. Review the function and distribution of blood flow and blood pressure in the systemic
and pulmonary circulations
2. Understand the terms preload and afterload and cardiac contractility
3. State the formula for calculating the cardiac output and explain the effect that venous
return, cardiac contractility, and heart rate have on cardiac output
4. Review cardiac reserve and relate it to the frank–Starling mechanism
5. Discuss the mechanism of atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis
1. Describe the pathological mechanism of coronary heart diseases such as angina,
myocardial infarction (MI), and heart failure

UNIT 9: Disorders of Oxygenation and Gas Exchange

1. Review structural organization of a respiratory system, exchange of gases

between the atmosphere and the lung, and control of breathing
2. Understand the pathology, manifestations, and diagnostic evaluations of tuberculosis.
3. Describe the pathology, manifestations, and diagnostic evaluations of obstructive
airway disease such as bronchial asthma
4. Explain the mechanism of pulmonary vascular disorders such as pulmonary
respiratory distress

UNIT 10: Disorders of Digestion and Elimination

1. Review structure and organization of the gastrointestinal tract ( upper and lower) and its
function including motility, secretory functions, digestion, and absorption
2. Explain how the nervous system controls the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Review anatomy and physiology of the renal system
4. Describe the Pathophysiology, manifestations, and diagnostic evaluation of acute
and chronic renal failure
5. Identify the gastrointestinal hormones and how they control the process of digestion
6. Understand the physiology, manifestations, and diagnostic evaluation of different types
of hepatitis
7. Comprehend the physiology, manifestations, and diagnostic evaluation of cirrhosis
of the liver

UNIT 11: Disorders of the Genetics and Mutation

1. Review the mechanism of genetic control
2. Describe the pathogenesis of gene mutation
3. Describe the process of cell proliferation and cell differentiation
4. Describe the characteristics, pathogenesis, manifestation, and diagnostic evaluation
of benign and malignant neoplasm

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UNIT 12: Disorders of Skin

1. Review structures and functions of Skin

2. Recognize and describe the common symptoms and management of skin
3. Discuss pathophysiological concepts related to common problems related to skin
disorders.

UNIT 13: Disorders of Haematology

1. Discuss the development of cells

2. Review the mechanism of hemostasis
3. Describe functions, components and cellular elements in blood
4. Discuss the key disorders of RBC…..

UNIT 14: Disorders of sexuality and Reproduction

1. Review structures and functions of male and female reproductive organs
2. Distinguish between the pathophysiology of the various etiologies of infertility and
evaluate awoman’s/men’s risk of infertility based on lifestyle and physiologic
factors.
3. Provide patient education regarding various testing and treatment options for
infertility
4. Recognize and describe the common presenting symptoms and management of
sexually transmitted diseases in males and females of chlamydia, gonorrhea, non-
specific urethritis (NSU), genital herpes, genital warts, syphilis, and HIV

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AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY - School of Nursing and Midwifery

Master of Science in Nursing (MScN)
PBL Rubric for Pathophysiology for Advance Practice courses
Total Marks is 56

Faculty Member’s Name: _______________

PBL Date: ___________________

PBL Topic: _________________________

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Components Unsatisfactory (0-3) Satisfactory (3.1-6) Exemplary (6.1-8.0) Marks Remarks

1. Criticality and Responds to the Responds to the Responds to the

Meaningfulness posed questions but posed questions posed questions
lacks critical and through meaningful actively through
meaningful discourse. critical and
discourse. Information shared is meaningful
Information shared is relevant to the socio- discourse.
irrelevant to the cultural context. Information shared
socio-cultural is relevant to the
context. socio-cultural
context.
2. Evidence of Do not provide Provides evidence of Provides evidence of
preparation sufficient evidence preparation; come preparation; come
of preparation; have prepared with some prepared with the
not come prepared relevant teaching- most innovative
with relevant learning resource e. relevant teaching-
teaching-learning g. notes, charts, etc. learning resource e.
resources e. g. notes, g. notes, charts, etc.
charts, etc.
3. Application of Shares irrelevant Shares relevant Shares relevant
theory into practice examples from examples from examples from
through personal and personal and personal and
Experiences professional professional professional
experience that fails experience to experiences that
to demonstrate the integrate the enhance the
application of theory application of theory integration of the
into practice. into practice. application of theory
into practice.
4. Leadership and Demonstrate very Demonstrates some Demonstrates a
Facilitative Roles few leadership & leadership & variety of leadership
facilitative roles facilitative roles & facilitative roles
during discussion during discussion during discussion
(respects others, (respects others, (respects others,
listens actively, takes listens actively, takes listens actively,
initiatives, initiatives, takes initiatives,
encourages others, encourages others, encourages others,
provides superficial provides meaningful provides critical,
and non-constructive and constructive meaningful, and
feedback, team feedback keeps time- constructive
leader, keeps time- check, focuses, feedback, keeps
check, focuses, summarizes, time-check, focuses,
summarizes, summarizes,
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clarifies, energizes, clarifies, energizes, clarifies, energizes,

and harmonizes). and harmonizes). and harmonizes).

5. Analyze the Superficially Satisfactorily Critically

relationship deliberates discuss the analyze the
between normal the relationship relationship
physiology and relationship between between
specific system between normal normal
alterations normal physiology physiology
physiology and specific and specific
and specific system system
system alterations alterations
alterations produced by produced by
produced by altered health altered
altered health states. health states.
states.

6. Discuss the A limited review of Evidently discuss the In-depth explore the
etiology, the etiology, etiology, etiology,
developmental developmental developmental developmental
considerations, considerations, considerations, considerations,
pathogenesis, and pathogenesis, pathogenesis, pathogenesis,
clinical laboratory tests, and laboratory tests, and laboratory tests, and
manifestations of clinical clinical clinical
disease processes manifestations of manifestations of manifestations of
disease processes disease processes disease processes
under discussion under discussion under discussion
7. Integration of the Seemingly Briefly Integrate the
diagnostic incorporate discuss the purpose,
procedures with the purpose, results, and results, and
the disease process results, and interpretation interpretation
interpretation of diagnostic of diagnostic
of diagnostic procedures procedures
procedures in used in the used in the
the diagnosis diagnosis of diagnosis of
of the disease the disease the disease

Total Marks
(Out of 56)

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Student Academic Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures

This Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures outlines the expectations of the
University in terms of students' general conduct as well as academic conduct. All students
should adhere to these expectations.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism or other academic misconduct (e.g., cheating on quizzes, tests, or exams) will not
be tolerated and may lead to failure in the course, disciplinary probation, or expulsion from
the Faculty depending on the nature of the offense.

Where applicable include a confidentiality clause. For example, all information related to
patient/client/family must be kept confidential and discussion should be limited to the class
setting or within students, their professors, and preceptors.

Pledge of Honour Statement on Written Assignment

Each student has signed a contract on plagiarism which means that you must reference direct
quotations, paraphrases, and ideas taken from sources. Sources such as web pages must also be
referenced accordingly. Students must include the following pledge of honour statement on each
written assignment which will be included as a cover page with the assignment:
“I affirm that I have maintained the highest principles of honesty and integrity in my academic
work and I have neither given nor received unauthorized assistance on this assignment.”

Policy for Late Assignments

Assignments submitted after the deadline without prior notification to or arrangements with the
Faculty will be subjected to a penalty. Two percent (2%) will be deducted from your mark for
each missed day. Faculty may use their discretion under exceptional circumstances.

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GRADING SYSTEM

In this class, you will receive a percentage score which at the end of the term will be converted
to a letter grade for your transcript. The transcript will record your percentage score, letter grade,
and GPA on the 4-point scale (e.g., 3.0, 3.3, or 3.7).

Effective October 1, 2009, the following grading scheme applies to all AKU graduate
programs.

Letter Grade Percentage Equivalent Grade Point*

A+ 95 – 100 4.0
A 90 – 94 4.0
A- 85 -89 3.7
B+ 80 – 84 3.3
B 75 – 79 3.0
B- 70 – 74 2.7
C+ 65 – 69 2.3
C 60 – 64 2.0
C- 55 – 59 1.7**
F < 55 0.0
P Pass Not applicable
I Incomplete Not applicable
IP In Progress Not applicable
W Withdrawn Not applicable
AU Audit Not applicable
AG Aegrotat Standing Not applicable
Failure (F), Pass (P), Incomplete (I), In Progress (IP), Withdrawn (W), Audit (AU), and Aegrotat
Standing (AG).

*The rounding-off principle will apply where applicable.

**required only for transitory GPA for internal computation.

Ethics

All graduate students are expected to follow university research ethics guidelines. For
information on research misconduct, please refer to the academic policy on research misconduct.
The Research Office website (http://www.aku.edu/res-office/index.shtml) has essential
information that will also guide you in the conduct of your research.

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