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

Immune organs - Osteoarticular system - Urinary system - Male genital system - Female genital system - Gestation & Lactation

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 Activities (LA): (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 learning 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 :
 
The assessment will take the form of an oral examination in front of examiners and microscope, preceded by preparation time. The assessment will include a theoretical part and a practical part (TPs).
 
The exact arrangements for the assessment are 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 result of the theory exam gives the numerical value (X/20) which is used as the basis for calculating the final mark. This calculation depends on the result obtained in a practical examination. A successful practical result (10 or more/20) that is at least 3 points higher than the mark obtained in theory (i.e. X+3/20) increases the latter by 1 point (final mark = X+1/20). A successful practical result (10 or more/20) at least 6 points higher than the mark obtained in theory (i.e. X+6/20) increases the latter by 2 points (final mark = X+2/20). However, a failed practical result of 9/20 reduces the final mark by 1 point (X-1/20), 8/20 reduces it by 2 points (X-2/20), 7/20 reduces it by 3 points (X-3/20), 6/20 reduces it by 4 points (X-4/20) and so on.
 
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.
 
A student who has not validated the credits of the Teaching Unit but who has obtained a mark equivalent to or higher than 10/20 in one or other Learning Activity is automatically granted a partial deferral (REPA) for the Learning Activity concerned within the same academic year. However, the student may waive the benefit of the REPA in order to try to improve his/her result by attending the Learning Activity. By taking this responsibility, if the outcome is less favourable, the student cannot claim the right to his/her initial mark.
 

 

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 3
Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine Standard 2 3