Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Molecular Biology
Teaching staff
Please use email to set an appointment.
Martí Aldea Malo (maldea@uic.es)
Jaume Reventós (jreventos@uic.es)
Pedro Mateos Aparicio (pmateosaparicio@uic.es)
Joan Marc Martínez (mlainez@uic.es)
Ana Cristina Reguera (acreguera@uic.es)
Rocío Rojas (rrojas@uic.es)
Introduction
Over the last 50 years, molecular biology has gone through the most unbelievable and dramatic revolution by far more important than any other scientific discipline. Biology, and, as a consequence, medicine, have to be written, analyzed and studied again, or, in others words, reconceived by using the new tools, technologies and all the new knowledge brought by molecular and cellular biology as well as by biochemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Pre-course requirements
Not applicable
Objectives
We will provide the student with the scientific essentials and tools to understand gene function and its implications in the molecular basis of disease, with a focus on future developments in the practice of medicine.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
You will understand the fundamental traits of gene function within the context of the diverse human genome and its implications in disease.
You will acquire the basic knowledge of molecular analysis tools and their applications to medical diagnostic assays.- 05 - Recognize own limitations and the need to maintain and upgrade professional skills, with particular emphasis on autonomous learning of new knowledge and skills and motivation for quality.
- 06 - Develop professional practice with other health professionals, acquiring teamwork skills.
- 07 - Understand and recognise normal structure and function of the human body at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ and systemetic levels, at different stages of life and in both sexes.
- 09 - Understand and recognize the effects, mechanisms and manifestations of disease on the structure and function of the human body.
- 10 - To understand and recognise the agents and risk factors which determine health status, and learn how they determine the symptoms and natural development of acute or chronic diseases in individuals and populations.
- 25 - Recognize the determinants of public health; genetic and sex-dependent lifestyle, demographic, environmental, social, economic, psychological and cultural determinants.
- 31 - Understand, critically evaluate and know how to use sources of clinical and biomedical information to obtain, organize, interpret and communicate scientific and health care information.
- 32 - Know how to use information and communication technology in clinical, therapeutic, preventive health care and research.
- 34 - Ability for critical thinking, creativity and constructive skeptisim with a focus on research within professional practice.
- 35 - Understand the importance and limitations of scientific thinking in the study, prevention and treatment of disease.
- 36 - Be able to formulate hypotheses, collect and critically evaluate information for problem solving using the scientific method.
- 37 - Acquire basic training for research.
- CB-1 - To have acquired advanced knowledge and demonstrated, within the context of highly specialised scientific and technological research, detailed comprehension based on theoretical and practical aspects and a working methodology from one or more fields of study.
- CB-2 - To know how to apply and incorporate knowledge, an understanding of it and its scientific basis and the ability to solve problems in new and loosely defined environments, including multidisciplinary contexts that include both researchers and highly specialised professionals.
- CB-3 - To know how to evaluate and select the appropriate scientific theories and precise methodologies required by their field of study to make judgements based on incomplete or limited information. Where necessary and appropriate, this includes a reflection on the ethical and social responsibility linked to the solution suggested in each case.
- CB-5 - To transmit in a clear and unambiguous way to a specialised or non-specialised audience, the results of scientific and technological research projects and innovation from the field of the most advanced innovation, as well as the most important concepts which they are based on.
- CB-7 - To be able to take responsibility for their own professional development and specialisation in one or more fields of study.
- CTI-1 - To know how to communicate effectively through written and oral communication in a foreign language that will allow them to work in an international context.
- CTS-2 - To demonstrate sensitivity to environmental issues and act accordingly.
- CTS-3 - To promote and ensure respect for human rights and the principles of universal accessibility, equality, non-discrimination as well as the values of democracy and a culture of peace.
Learning outcomes of the subject
The proposed theoretical competences and the abilities in knowledge integration and self-directed learning.
Syllabus
Lectures
L01. Molecular biology for MDs, what for?
L02. DNA from shape to function
L03. The human genome - complexity and diversity
L04. Genome replication and dynamics
L05. RNA and transcription
L06. Gene control by protein-DNA interactions
L07. Multilevel transcriptional control in human
L08. RNA splicing and processing
L09. Translation and the molecular basis of the code
L10. The ribosome - a molecular translator
L11. Spatial and temporal control of translation
L12. Protein folding, prions and neurodegenerative diseases
L13. Omics - the new paradigm in precision medicine
L14. Transgenesis
L15. Human gene therapy
L16. Molecular bases of cancer
Clinical cases
PC1. HIV detection
PC2. Breast cancer
PC3. Allan-Hernon-Dudley syndrome
Problem-based learning and virtual teaching
PBL. Ensembl - a genomic data hub
Lab practice
LAB. Protein workshop
Teaching and learning activities
In blended
Lectures (online): Theoretical presentations by the teacher underlining the essential concepts and relationships stimulating knowledge integration by thought-provoking questions. Online sessions will alternate capsule presentations on the most difficult concepts with all students and group-based microsessions to discuss proposed queries.
Cases (in person): Key methodologies in biomedicine are presented and discussed with students in small groups, guided by the instructor.
Problem-based learning (in person): Students learn about a subject driven by specific problems. The goals of PBL are to help the students develop flexible knowledge and self-directed learning.
Lab practice (in person): Experimental laboratory work with molecular biology techniques.
Virtual teaching (online): Teaching material available online.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In blended
Theoretical competences and the abilities in knowledge integration acquired during this course will all be assessed as follows:
- 20% Midterm exam on lectures 1-8
- 10% Lab practice test
- 10% PBL test
- 60% Final exam on all lectures and cases of the subject
Passing the final exam and a minimal global mark of 5 are required to pass the subject.
Participation in in-person and online activities may modulate the global mark.
Tests contain multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
Multiple-choice questions have 4 options and errors are counted as -0.33.
Bibliography and resources
Lewin’s Genes XII
Krebs JE et al (2017), Jones & Bartlett
Biochemistry 9th ed
Berg JM et al (2018), Freeman
Molecular Biology of the Cell 7th ed
Alberts B et al (2019), Garland
Molecular Cell Biology 8th ed
Lodish H et al (2016), Freeman
Lecture notes
Essential concepts and thought-provoking questions
Evaluation period
- E1 04/06/2021 11:30h
- E2 13/07/2021 09:00h