Explore the Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) in Pathology at Western University. Prepare for a career in medical research and diagnostics. Apply now!
Program Description Medical Sciences is a "first-entry" program into the Faculty of Science at Western. High school students interested in studying the basic medical sciences (human biology) modules at an advanced level in the BMSc Program should select MEDICAL SCIENCES on the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). Admission to Medical Sciences is not admission to the BMSc Program. Students are registered as Medical Sciences students in Years 1 and 2, and apply to the BMSc Program when they enter Year 3. Entry into the BMSc Program is competitive and limited but admission is assured for Medical Sciences 2 students who achieve a minimum average of 80%, with no mark less than 60%, in the Year 2 courses that are specific to the student's module of interest for Year 3 BMSc. Pathology is the scientific study of disease and involves genetic, molecular, cellular, and organ level investigation of disease processes. Scientific research is the cornerstone of pathology, because understanding disease contributes to the development of diagnostic tests and better treatments. Knowledge about human diseases come from: Clinical pathology – includes observations made on patients and patient specimens, looking at the causes and mechanisms of disease and the effects of disease upon various organs and body systems; Experimental pathology – includes experimental studies with tissues, cell cultures or animal models to understand the mechanism of disease initiation and progression. The Honours Specialization in Pathology will introduce students to basic principles within pathology and the effects of a variety of chemicals, drugs and toxins on living organisms. To develop an understanding of the normal body before looking at abnormal and disease conditions, foundational courses in biology, biochemistry, anatomy and histology, and physiology and pharmacology are taken prior to delving into the areas of pathology. An introductory course in pathology (Pathology 3500) covers basic disease processes including inflammation, injury, immunity, infection, neoplasia, and their appearance in specific organ systems such as the heart, lungs and brain. Senior-level courses examine more advanced concepts in both clinical and experimental pathology. NOTE: Please note the English scores listed are minimum requirements. Meeting the minimums does not guarantee admission. Students with low English scores may be admitted to the English BOOST Program, a 9 week training program for conditional admission to their chosen program.
