Welcome to UCC Department of Pathology

The Head of UCC Department of Pathology is Professor Louise Burke.

What is Pathology?

Pathology is the scientific study of disease.

It is the basis for the understanding and practice of modern medicine.

Clinical Pathology includes the following subdivisions:

• Histopathology: Diagnosis of disease in tissues
• Cytopathology: Diagnosis of disease in isolated cells
• Haematology: Disorders of blood
• Microbiology: Infectious diseases and the organisms responsible
• Immunology: Specific defence mechanisms of the body
• Chemical pathology: Chemical changes in tissues and fluids
• Toxicology: The effects of known or suspected poisons
• Forensic pathology: Pathology application to legal purposes and investigation of sudden and unexplained death
• Molecular pathology: Molecular study of disease

Prospective undergraduate students wishing to develop a career in Pathology should note that a medical degree must first be obtained, after which a speciality in pathology may be undertaken. More information can be obtained from the Royal College of Pathologists.