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• Department of Pathology
• Duff Medical Building, B wing
• 3775 University Street
• Montreal QC H3A 2B4
• Telephone: 514-398-3045
• Website: mcgill.ca/pathology

Pathology is a branch of medical science that involves the study and diagnosis of disease through the examination of surgically removed organs, tissues (biopsy samples), bodily fluids, and in some cases the whole body (autopsy). Aspects of a bodily specimen that may be considered include its gross anatomical make up, appearance of the cells using immunological markers, and chemical signatures in the cells. Pathology also includes the related scientific study of disease processes whereby the causes, mechanisms, and extent of disease are examined. Areas of study include cellular adaptation to injury, necrosis (death of living cells or tissues), inflammation, wound healing, and neoplasia (abnormal new growth of cells). Pathologists specialize in a wide range of diseases including cancer and the vast majority of cancer diagnoses are made by pathologists. The cellular pattern of tissue samples are observed under a microscope to help determine if a sample is cancerous or non-cancerous (benign). Pathologists also employ genetic studies and gene markers in the assessment of various diseases. Investigators in a pathology department may be utilizing information and experimental techniques originally developed in almost any area of modern biology and, in return, may contribute new knowledge of benefit to many other disciplines. Research on disease may target any of the organ systems, in normal and abnormal conditions, and studies may be conducted from a structural, biochemical or functional perspective at any level, from the intact organism down to specific components of the individual cell. There are no B.Sc. programs in Pathology, students who are interested in studying pathology can apply for Master or Ph.D program. For more information on Pathology programs please visit mcgill.ca/pathology/programs/programs. Please note that the undergraduate course PATH 300 Human Disease is considered as taught by the Faculty of Science.