Learning outcomes

- Know and understand the microscopic morphological structure of mammalian organs encountered in veterinary practice, taking the human model as a reference and highlighting species variations according to adaptations (e.g. dietary, environmental).
 
- Be able to explain medical knowledge and information in a clear and comprehensible manner, adapting to the audience.

Goals

Histology is one of the morphological disciplines of the (bio)medical sciences. The aim of the functional histology course is to describe the histology of each organ of the body and to correlate its tissue structure with the functions of the organ.
 
 
 
With regard to the theoretical part, the student is expected to :
 
know the cytological and tissue characteristics of each organ
know the role and function of tissues within an organ and intrinsically make the link with the physiology of the organ
replace the histology course in all biomedical disciplines and be able to create links with anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, anatomopathology, immunology, etc.
be able to recognise an organ as non-human, identify how histology deviates from the human model and suggest ways of identifying the species from which the sample comes, and justify morphological differences in terms of adaptations or behaviour.
 
With regard to the practical part, the student is expected to be able to identify a tissue or organ by microscopic observation alone, within a reasonable time. To achieve this goal, the student must gradually become familiar with the method of differential diagnosis (see above) and must be able to justify his or her diagnostic reasoning with arguments.

Content

The various chapters deal with the major systems (see Table of Contents), describing the micro-anatomy of each organ and the relationship between cell/tissue structure and organ function. Potential interactions between systems will also be described, as well as elements of genetics, physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology that may explain certain regulations or deregulations.
 
The comparative histology course is based on the study of the histology of the healthy human model and focuses on the histological diversity and specificities encountered in various species of domestic mammals (e.g. carnivores, horses, ruminants) and, more rarely, in birds.

Table of contents

Integumentary system - Blood and haematopoiesis - Cardiovascular system - Respiratory system - Digestive system - Endocrine system

Exercices

The practical work illustrates in a didactic and interactive way the organs covered during the theoretical course. The microscope and a collection of histological slides are the main tools for acquiring histological skills. The computer support www.histology.be offers a library of digitised microscopic images, enabling students to complete their study remotely. The chronology of the sessions follows the order of the theoretical lessons, with a slight time lag to allow the material to be assimilated.
 
Participation in the practical sessions is not compulsory, but is strongly recommended. As a reminder, the overall assessment of this course includes an examination on the practical part, the grade of which influences the overall grade (see Assessment method).
 

Teaching methods

The Teaching Unit (TU) comprises two Learning Modules: (1) a theoretical part, (2) a practical part (TPs).

 

The theoretical part is a lecture illustrated by a PowerPoint slide show. The presentation slides are uploaded to the WebCampus platform prior to the course. The course content is explained using annotated diagrams and simultaneously illustrated with histological or schematic images, which are also available on WebCampus.

 

The practical sessions begin with an oral introduction with PowerPoint support. Students then work independently in front of their microscope. These activities can be supplemented by homework, using the virtual microscopy platforms www.histology.be and www.cytomine.be.

 

Permission must be obtained from the lecturer to capture images and/or sound during the lecture.

Assessment method

Assessment method:

 

If student numbers and health conditions allow, the theory exam is written and consists of answering open-ended questions.

 

The exact method of assessment is subject to change when the examination timetable is drawn up, depending on the practical constraints with which the faculty administration may be confronted, or in the event of illness/force majeure/employment with a work placement, preventing the student from sitting the examination on the date initially scheduled.

 

Calculation of the mark :

 

The final grade for the course unit is determined based on the weighted arithmetic mean of the grades obtained in the theory and practical exercises: Theory human + animal histology: assessed out of 20 and representing 80% of the final grade Practical exercises: assessed out of 20 and representing 20% ​​of the final grade If one of the grades is less than or equal to 7/20, the average is not calculated and this grade alone becomes the final grade for the course unit (the concept of an absorbing grade). Signing off on or missing either assessment will result in a 0/20 for the relevant assessment. In the event the course unit is not validated, grades for assessments passed at the threshold of 10/20 are carried over from one session to the next, but are not carried over to the following academic year.


Special cases and exemptions/deferrals:

 

In the event that a student is unable to sit the examination for a justified reason (force majeure, medical certificate), the student must contact the Registrar and the Registrar's Office, who will reschedule the examination, within the time limits set out in the R.E.E. and subject to the agreement of the Dean or Vice-Dean.

Sources, references and any support material

Histology: First cycle of medical studies, Lullmann-Rauch, De Boeck Supérieur
 
Histology and Cell Biology, Kierszenbaum, De Boeck
 
Human Histology. Stevens & Lowe, De Boeck
 
Immunology, Roitt & Brostoff & Male, De Boeck
 
Fundamentals of Basic and Clinical Immunology, Abbas & Lichtman, Campus Reference
 
 

Language of instruction

French
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine Standard 0 4
Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine Standard 2 4