Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Integrated Biomedicine III
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
Teaching staff
For any questions, contact Dra Cristina Reguera (acreguera@uic.es)
Introduction
The Biomedicine Integrated III subject is part of a block of three placed in the second semester of each of the first three years (Integrated Biomedicine I, II, III). These subjects are designed, as their name implies, to integrate the concepts that have been worked on in each corresponding course, solving a basic, clinical or technical problem by pooling the concepts that have been received so far.
Each of these subjects has a methodology and specific teaching activities. The Integrated Biomedicine III approach focuses on semi-autonomously mastering the practical aspects of the day-to-day laboratory, either in its prior preparation and organization or in situ. On the other hand, the students of each course of Integrated Biomedicine (I, II and III) interact with each other in scientific communications in which some are evaluated speakers and the other evaluating members.
Pre-course requirements
Having completed Integrated Biomedicine I and II.
Basic and general knowledge in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology techniques, genetics, and laboratory work dynamics.
Objectives
- Foster autonomous work in the daily routine of a research laboratory and problem-solving in the field of Biomedicine.
- Learn to design an experiment with a specific purpose.
- Ensure proper functioning in the laboratory.
- Promote the understanding and discussion of complex experiment results.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CB01 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study that is based on general secondary education, and it tends to be found at a level that, although it is based on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting-edge of their field of study.
- CB02 - Students must know how to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional way and have the competences that tend to be demonstrated through the creation and defence of arguments and the resolution of problems within their field of study.
- CB03 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) to issue judgements that include a reflection on significant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
- CB04 - That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- CE20 - To resolve problems related to biomedical sciences, both at a theoretical and an experimental level, adding basic knowledge to clinical, pharmacological, pathological, technological and business knowledge in a cross-disciplinary way.
- CG07 - To incorporate basic concepts related to the field of biomedicine both at a theoretical and an experimental level.
- CT01 - To develop the organisational and planning skills that are suitable in each moment.
- CT02 - To develop the ability to resolve problems.
- CT03 - To develop analytical and summarising skills.
- CT04 - To interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
- CT05 - To use the internet as a means of communication and a source of information.
- CT06 - To know how to communicate, give presentations and write up scientific reports.
- CT07 - To be capable of working in a team.
- CT08 - To reason and evaluate situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
- CT09 - To have the ability to develop interpersonal skills.
- CT10 - To be capable of autonomous learning.
- CT11 - To apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
- CT12 - To apply scientific method.
- CT13 - To be aware of the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and ageing.
- CT14 - To respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values that are specific to a culture of peace and democratic values.
Learning outcomes of the subject
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to work in teams and semi-autonomously in the daily routine of a research laboratory.
- Interpret the protocols of different biomedical techniques.
- Integrate knowledge from subjects such as cell and molecular biology to develop a series of laboratory protocols.
- Design, execute, and optimize experiments in the biomedical field.
- Identify and solve laboratory problems in the area of biomedical research.
Syllabus
1. Molecular Biology Block: Plasmid amplification and digestion, and recombinant protein expression in the E. coli model.
- E. coli Transformation
- E. coli Culture
- Recombinant protein induction in E. coli
- DNA purification from transformed E. coli
- DNA Digestion
- Protein extraction from E. coli
- Agarose gel electrophoresis
- Acrylamide gel electrophoresis
2. Cell Biology Block: 3T3-L1 cell culture and differentiation into adipocytes.
- 3T3-L1 cell seeding
- Differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells into mature adipocytes
- Viability assessment after differentiation by MTT assay
- Differentiation assessment by Oil Red O lipid staining
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Fully in-person modality in the classroom
1. Lectures - 2 hours: presentation of the subject.
2. Case Methods (CM) – 6 hours: Practical preparation sessions. In these sessions, students will autonomously design and organize the experiments they will carry out and become familiar with calculations, the corresponding materials, and their use.
3. Practical Classes – 22 hours: students will execute the practice they have previously prepared, in small groups and under the supervision of the teaching staff. The teaching staff will ensure student safety, while the students will be responsible for the correct execution of the defined protocol. The use of lab coats is mandatory.
At the end of the subject, a presentation will be held in which the results will be presented and the work carried out will be discussed.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The total grade will be calculated based on the following weightings:
1. Students in first enrollment:
- Laboratory practicals: 50%. To pass the subject, it is mandatory to obtain a grade higher than 4 in this part. The following items will be taken into accoun
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- Execution of the practicals and obtaining results: 40%
- Punctuality and attitude in the sessions: 30%
- Data recording and calculations: 20%
- Test on the first day of practicals: 10%. On the first day of practicals, students will take a multiple-choice test to demonstrate that they have read and understood the practical content.
- Presentation of results and discussion: 30%. The presentation will briefly include the methodology used in the practicals and the results obtained, as well as any technical problems that may have arisen during the practicals.
- Case Methods: 20%. At the end of the case method, students will solve exercises related to the material worked on.
- Participation in ES-Day: students who participate in all sessions of the Entrepreneurship & Social Day (E&S-Day) will receive 0.5 extra points on the final grade.
- The teaching staff reserves up to 10% of the grade to be awarded 1 based on subjective criteria such as: implication, participation, respect for basic rules, etc.
General points to bear in mind about the evaluation system:
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Attendance at practical sessions and case methods is mandatory.
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The teacher reserves the right not to let the student in if they arrive late to class.
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The expulsion of a student from the laboratory classroom will mean the automatic failure in the subject.
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Misuse of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets or laptops can lead to expulsion from class. Improper use is understood to be the recording and dissemination of both the students or teachers during the different sessions.
Bibliography and resources
The bibliography will be specific for each practice and will be indicated in the corresponding session.
Evaluation period
- E2 26/06/2025 A09 14:00h