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Disciplines

Anatomical Sciences

Promoting anatomical knowledge relevant to the practice of medicine, its allied professions and the life sciences, through research, education and service to the community.

The discipline of anatomical sciences encompasses the study of the morphology of the body at macroscopic and microscopic levels and illustrates how structure relates to function. A knowledge of anatomy provides the foundation for careers and research in medical, dental, and allied health professions. An understanding of the complex relationships between structure and function is fundamental for research in the areas of neuroanatomy, reproductive and developmental biology, cell biology, biological anthropology, and comparative anatomy.

Pathology

Improving health by understanding disease, through quality research and teaching.

Pathology is the scientific study of disease. Without a clear understanding of the causes and mechanisms of disease there cannot be any effective treatment or prevention. It is the aim of pathology to provide us with this understanding. The staff in Pathology are all involved in teaching and research into the nature of disease. Together with a large group of clinical and affiliate title holders at the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science, the Hanson Institute, the Royal Adelaide Hospital, the Women's and Children's Hospital, and the Forensic Science Centre, Pathology in the School of Medical Sciences provides a vibrant and supportive environment in which to study and undertake research into the scientific basis of disease.

Pharmacology

The Science of Drugs - from Cells to Society.

Pharmacology is the study of drugs and how they interact with our body. Drugs are chemicals that affect the functions of living systems. Drugs may be used to improve health and quality of life, as medicines to treat and prevent diseases or, as a research tool, to further explore body functions. Pharmacology is both an experimental and clinical science that deals with all types of drugs - medicinal and recreational, legal and illegal, synthetic and naturally occurring, therapeutically beneficial medicines and potentially toxic substances. It is an interdisciplinary field that bridges Physiology, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Neuroscience, Mathematics, Statistics and Medicine.

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