BOD (PATHOLOGY)
Biology of Disease
BOD begins by looking at how the immune system works before exploring some pathological problems that organisms can face: viruses, fungi, bacteria, parasites, cardiovascular pathology, and cancer. It is a very clinically relevant and interesting course.
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There are usually around 3 lectures and 2 practicals per week. In total, there are 25 practicals which are assessed thoroughly in their own exam. The practicals can be very exciting, especially as you are handling real viruses and bacteria. You will have supervisions specifically for these practicals, as well as supervisions for the lecture content.
What resources should I use?
At Sidney, we are lucky to be one of the only colleges offering BOD practical supervisions so there will be powerpoint slides given to you from your supervisor that will be very helpful with this section of the course. As well as this, the BOD Moodle page has a useful identifying bacteria sheet that will come in handy for the bacteria question of the practical paper.
In terms of resources for the rest of the course, there are lecture notes and past exam papers on the SSMVS drive and very useful department-provided lecture notes on Moodle.
How is it examined?
There are 3 exams for BOD:
- An MCQ paper which is worth 60% of 2nd MB and 25% of your Tripos grade.
- A practical paper which focuses on histology and the experiments that you will have practiced in your practical classes, worth 40% of 2nd MB and contributes 35% to Tripos.
- An essay paper, where you will have to answer 2 essay questions in 90 minutes, worth 50% of your tripos grade.
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** PLEASE NOTE ALL OF THIS INFORMATION IS CORRECT AS OF JUNE 2023 BUT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE **
** SEE THE BOD MOODLE PAGE FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION **