Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Cellular and Molecular Pathology
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Questions will be answered before or after class. To answer non-face-to-face questions, it will be done by videoconference.
Introduction
Pathology, which involves the study of structural, molecular and functional changes of cells, tissues and organs, allows us to understand the underlying causes of different disease processes.
Before studying the physiopathology of different systems, it is essential to know about changes at the cellular and molecular level that will give rise to a certain systemic pathology. The course is designed to acquire knowledge about the molecular and cellular basis that defines the pathology, as well as the principles and types of fundamental mechanisms that cells use in responses to stress, the techniques required to study these aspects and the latest advances in this specific field of Biomedicine.
Pre-course requirements
Basic knowledge of biochemistry, cellular biology and molecular biology.
Objectives
The objective of this subject is that, at the end of it, students will understand the main molecular and cellular processes that govern the pathological state.
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.
- 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.
- CE11 - To identify the effects, mechanisms and manifestations of a disease on the structure and function of the human body at a molecular, cellular and tissue level.
- CG02 - To be aware of the aspects that govern pathological state and its implications at a clinical and diagnostic level.
- CG11 - To be aware of basic concepts from different fields connected to biomedical sciences.
- 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 will have:
- Acquired an integrated view of cellular structures at the molecular, structural and functional level with regards to human pathology.
- Identified the characteristics of tissues at the cellular and molecular level in different situations of injury, adaptation and cell death.
Syllabus
UNIT 1: Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Pathology course; General principles of histology, epithelial tissue, connective tissue and specialized connective tissue.
UNIT 2: Genetic and epigenetic disorders
UNIT 3: Cell-cell communication disorders
UNIT 4: Mechanism of cell injury
UNIT 5: Cellular adaptation responses
UNIT 6: Subcellular alterations in cell injury
UNIT 7: Inflammation
UNIT 8: Cell repair and regeneration
UNIT 9: Cell death and cancer
UNIT 10: Cellular senescence and aging
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Totally fpresential in the classroom
Lectures: presentation for 50 minutes of a theoretical topic by the teacher. Visual support is used in power point format to accompany the explanations.
Clinical cases or case methods (MC): Approach to a real or imaginary situation. Students work on the questions asked in small groups or in active interaction with the teacher and the answers are discussed. The teacher actively intervenes and, if necessary, contributes new knowledge. These classes can deal with content that deepens the topics covered in master classes or new topics. MCs have the same importance and the same weight of questions in the final exam.
Virtual education (EV): Online material located on the Moodle platform that the student can consult from any computer, at any time and that will contribute to the self-learning of concepts related to the subject. The virtual material is part of the content of the subject and will be evaluated in the final exam.
Laboratory Practices (PL): Practical sessions where experimental techniques related to the syllabus worked in the theoretical classes are worked. Familiarization with the most common experimental resources in a Biochemistry laboratory. Attendance is mandatory and the content of the practical sessions will be assessed directly in the final exam.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
In person
1) Students in first call:
- Participation in class and attitude: 5 %
- Mid-term exam: 20%
- Resolution of case methods: 15%
- Laboratory: 10%
- Final exam: 50%
2) Students in second call: same criteria as in the first call.
3) Students repeating the subject:
participation in class/attitude, laboratory and case methods grades will be keep in their profiles, although whenever they wish, students will be able to repeat class attendance and obtain a new grade.
General points to consider about the evaluation system:
- In the final exam, a minimum grade of 5 must be obtained in order to be able to average the marks of continuous evaluation (Laboratory, case, attitude and partial methods). The exams will be of type test with 4 options, correct answers count as +1 and errors as -0.25, T o F and short-answer questions. It will contemplate the contents of the lecture classes, case methods and laboratory practices.
- At the beginning of the laboratory practices, the students will take a test that contemplates the contents of the session that is going to be developed. At the end of the practical activity, students must develop a report that reflects the laboratory work, both at the level of operations carried out during the session and the results obtained in it. Therefore, 10% of laboratory practices will be the average of the tests at the beginning of the session and the reports generated in each laboratory.
- The development of the case methods will be in a group manner (these groups will remain stable throughout the course). At the end of the session, each group must prepare a report with the development of the activity that has been assigned and will be available to all students or the students will take a test (individual) that contemplates the contents of the reports generated. Therefore, 15% destined to the resolution of the case methods, will be the average of the or report carried out.
Attendance:
- Regular attendance to lectures and case methods is recommended. Lecture’s attendance is not mandatory, but students will have to follow the standards indicated by the instructors. The expulsion of students from lectures or case methods will have a negative impact on the evaluations.
- Attendance to practical lessons is mandatory and students must attend in the assigned groups. The expulsion of a student from the laboratory classroom will mean the automatic fail of the subject.
- Attendance to case methods is optional. In order to be evaluated in this part of the subject it is mandatory to attend a minimum of 5 sessions and do the activities proposed in the session.
In the granting of the honors, among the candidates, special consideration will be given to their participation and involvement in the different methodologies of the subject, as well as respect for the basic rules.
The improper use of electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets or laptops may result in class expulsion. Misuse is understood as recording and dissemination of students or teachers during the different lessons as well as the use of these devices for recreational and non-educational purposes.
Evaluation period
- E2 26/06/2024 A04 11:00h