Human pathology is the fascinating study of disease processes, particularly cell death, inflammation, disorders of immunity and neoplasia. This discipline delves into the body's responses to the disruption of normal tissue structure and function by injurious agents. Your studies will draw upon key disciplines such as biochemistry, microbiology, immunology and developmental biology. You will develop skills commonly used in the laboratory, such as microscopy, histological staining techniques, diagnosis and problem-solving. You will be taught by academics and clinician-scientists working at the forefront of translational medicine at, for example, Monash's world-renowned Australian Centre for Blood Diseases (ACBD) at the Alfred Monash Research and Education Precinct (AMREP). Start of expanded content You will be exposed to the study of disease from a clinical and research perspective. Research has always been the foundation of this discipline, since understanding disease provides answers on how to test for a disease in the clinic or laboratory, and on how a specific disease can be prevented and treated. A comprehensive understanding of cell injury, inflammation, wound healing, fluid and vascular disorders, growth disorders, and immunopathology are fundamental to all clinical and research disciplines. This knowledge helps define how organ systems fail during disease and injury – critical for diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic intervention.

As a graduate with a major in Human pathology, you will be equipped for employment in biomedical research in: diagnostic laboratories; hospitals or private pathologies; the biopharmaceutical industry; clinical trials; or commercial and patent law.