Pathology and Pathophysiology
In modern medical education, Pathology and Pathophysiology plays a vital role as a bridge between basic medical sciences and clinical practice. It is an essential field for those who seek to understand the mechanisms of diseases and improve their research, teaching, and diagnostic capabilities. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the program.
Program Overview
Pathology and Pathophysiology is a core discipline in basic medical sciences that explores the nature, causes, mechanisms, and consequences of diseases on the human body. This program integrates knowledge from molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, and other related fields to cultivate high-level professionals equipped with strong research capabilities and fundamental clinical diagnostic skills.
For international students, this major provides a systematic understanding of disease mechanisms and serves as a solid foundation for careers in medical research, teaching, or further academic pursuits.
Training Objectives
- To cultivate high-level medical professionals with well-rounded development in moral, intellectual, and physical aspects, equipped with solid theoretical knowledge and systematic professional expertise
- To master basic scientific research methods and possess capabilities in teaching and academic research
- To foster a rigorous scientific attitude and strong professional ethics
- To achieve proficiency in a foreign language with strong listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, especially for reading professional literature
- To emphasize comprehensive personal development and promote physical and mental health
Who is suitable for this program?
This program is particularly suitable for:
- Students with strong backgrounds in biology, chemistry, or foundational medical sciences
- Those passionate about exploring complex mechanisms of the human body and diseases
- Individuals aiming for careers in medical research, pathological diagnosis, or biomedical product development
- Academic-oriented individuals planning to pursue a PhD or long-term research in biomedicine
Mode and Duration of Study
This is a full-time Master's degree program with a standard duration of 3 years, and a maximum period of 4 years for completion.
Curriculum
No. |
Course Title |
Credits |
1 |
Academic English – Integrated & Listening & Speaking |
4 |
2 |
Medical Statistical Methods |
3 |
3 |
Theory and Practice of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics |
2 |
4 |
Introduction to Dialectics of Nature |
1 |
5 |
Cellular and Molecular Immunology |
2 |
6 |
Medical Molecular Biology |
3 |
7 |
Medical Information Retrieval and Utilization |
2 |
8 |
Cell Signal Transduction and Research Techniques |
2 |
9 |
Advanced Topics in Pathology |
2 |
10 |
Medical English |
2 |
11 |
Cell Culture Techniques |
3.5 |
12 |
Experimental Techniques and Methods in Molecular Medicine |
2 |
13 |
Morphological Experimental Techniques |
1.5 |
14 |
Neuroscience |
2 |
15 |
Medical Research Data Management and Statistical Software |
2.5 |
16 |
Introduction to Oncology |
1.5 |
17 |
Medical Thesis Writing (Compulsory Elective) |
1 |
18 |
Academic Seminars |
3 |
19 |
Clinical and Teaching Practice |
2 |
20 |
Sports and Cultural Activities |
1 |
Practical Training
- Teaching Practice: Includes one semester of attending undergraduate classes, giving trial lectures, assisting in experimental and discussion sessions under advisor guidance (30 academic hours), and participating in teaching discussions and course preparation with the department
- Clinical Practice: Two-month internship in clinical pathology diagnosis under the guidance of senior physicians. Students are expected to learn the diagnostic process, observe clinical techniques, and read core textbooks. They will develop scientific and logical interpretation skills of pathological images and master basic pathological diagnostic thinking to assess common diseases accurately
Training Methodology
The Master's program adopts a supervisor responsibility system, preferably combining individual supervision with group guidance (3–5 faculty members from related fields with lecturer rank or above).
Students are encouraged to gain "three types of experiences": social practice, secondary campus, and overseas experience. Credits earned in the latter two, if equivalent to core courses in the training plan, may be recognized as required credits upon supervisor approval and faculty committee review.
Other courses may be accepted as elective credits.
Research Directions
- Tumor Pathology: Research on multidrug resistance mechanisms, tumor invasion and metastasis mechanisms, and the pathological significance of tumor-related gene expression
- Renal Pathology: Research on mechanisms of glomerulonephritis and sclerosis
- Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Pathophysiology: Research on atherosclerosis, stroke mechanisms, angiogenesis, and the relationship between hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis
- Endocrine Pathophysiology: Research on the pathogenesis of diabetes
- Hepatic Pathophysiology: Studies on the mechanisms and prevention of viral hepatitis and associated liver cancer
Degree Awarding
Students who have completed the required credits and passed the thesis defense, and who meet the institutional criteria for Master’s degree conferment, will be awarded the Master of Medicine degree upon approval by the academic degree evaluation committee.
Career Development
Graduates can pursue careers in:
- Universities and research institutes (teaching and academic research)
- Hospitals (pathological diagnosis and technical support)
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries (R&D, product management)
- Public health sectors and international medical cooperation programs
Related Disciplines
- Basic Medical Sciences
- Clinical Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
- Molecular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Leading Universities in China in This Field
- Peking University
- Peking Union Medical College
- Fudan University
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Zhejiang University
- Sun Yat-sen University
- Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University)
- Tianjin Medical University
- Soochow University
- Nanjing Medical University
Evaluation of the Pathology and Pathophysiology Program
This is an academically intensive major that combines theory with practice, research with application. It allows students to deeply understand how diseases develop at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels.
With the rise of precision and personalized medicine, mastering this field gives students a competitive edge in biomedical research, diagnostic pathology, and pharmaceutical development.
It is a strong foundational major that opens diverse career paths, from teaching and research to biotechnology and drug innovation.
The above provides an overview of the Master’s program in Pathology and Pathophysiology. Visit the “Major Search” section to explore more details about study programs in China!
Connect with the Riba Team today for tailored advice and full support in applying for scholarships and study programs that suit you.
Riba Contact Information:
- Fanpage: China Scholarship Network
- Hotline: +84 - 888 666 350
- Hotline: +84 - 888 666 152