Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Molecular Biology
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Course Coordinator and Lectures:
Dr. Miguel Baena: mbaena@uic.es
Case Method Sessions:
Dr. Francisco J. Tadeo: fjtadeo@uic.es
(Department of Biomedical Sciences)
Introduction
In recent decades, Molecular Biology has emerged as one of the scientific disciplines that has most profoundly transformed our understanding of life. From the discovery of the DNA structure to genome editing technologies like CRISPR, progress has been astonishing. Today, we know that a deep understanding of the mechanisms underlying biological processes and human disease requires knowledge of how the molecules within cells are regulated, expressed, and interact.
Molecular Biology has redefined the foundations of biology and, in doing so, has also revolutionized medicine, biotechnology, and many other key areas of biomedical sciences. This paradigm shift calls for rethinking biology and medicine through the lens of new tools: from genomic sequencing technologies to mathematical models of gene regulation, advances in physics applied to biomolecular structures, and the increasing use of artificial intelligence in molecular data analysis.
This course introduces students to the molecular foundations of life, covering topics such as the structure and function of nucleic acids, DNA replication and repair, transcription and translation of genetic material, gene expression regulation, and the most innovative technologies used in genome studies. It will also promote an integrative approach with other disciplines such as biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics, enabling students to develop solid, applied, and critical scientific knowledge.
Our goal is not only to teach concepts, but to foster a scientific mindset: to train future professionals capable of interpreting scientific advances in Molecular Biology and applying them to the current challenges in health and biomedical research.
The course is mainly aligned with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), as it focuses on the molecular mechanisms of life and their application to disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. It contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by fostering critical scientific competences in biomedicine and promoting scientific literacy. It is also connected to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the study of diagnostic and biotechnological techniques, and to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by encouraging equity in access to biomedical advances and promoting collaboration in research.
Pre-course requirements
No prior knowledge is required, but it is recommended to be familiar with basic concepts about nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and amino acids and proteins.
Objectives
The main objective of the Molecular Biology course is to provide students with a solid conceptual and technical foundation in the molecular processes that govern the structure, function, and expression of genetic material, as well as their relevance in the field of biomedicine. Through the study of nucleic acids, proteins, and their interactions, the course enables students to understand how the cell stores, transmits, and regulates genetic information.
The course covers topics ranging from molecular evolution and the role of proteins as cellular machines, to fundamental mechanisms such as DNA replication, transcription, translation, and post-translational modifications. It also delves into gene regulation, chromatin structure, DNA repair systems, and signaling pathways that modulate gene activity, allowing students to connect molecular processes with disease development and therapeutic strategies.
The course is designed not only to provide theoretical knowledge, but also to foster a critical understanding of the current state of knowledge in molecular biology, its application in biomedical research, and its central role in the advancement of precision medicine. Analytical thinking, interpretation of scientific data, and molecular reasoning are emphasized as key skills for the student's future professional development in the biomedical field.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN01 - Define the structure and function of the cell, as well as intra and extracellular communication and its regulation through the main routes of cell signalling, in both developing and adult individuals.
- CN02 - Recognise the molecular foundations that explain transcriptional and post-transcriptional phenomena in eukaryotes in their adult state and during their development, as well as the basic genetic principles that define the basis of genetic inheritance.
- CN03 - Have a general overview of the diversity of micro-organisms and their impact on human life.
- CN15 - Identify analytical and experimental methodologies used in the field of Biomedical Sciences, whether they be established or cutting-edge.
- CP01 - Interpret basic biological concepts and the specific language of biomedical sciences in health, both in their native language and English, by applying autonomous learning.
- CP02 - Apply scientific methodology to interpret practical or theoretical data by evaluating situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
- CP05 - Apply biological foundations in the search for practical solutions to health problems, following ethical standards and scientific rigour and respecting fundamental equal rights between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values inherent in a peaceful society of democratic values that includes inclusive, non-discriminatory language without stereotypes.
- HB01 - Interpret basic data obtained in the biomedical research laboratory, identifying consistent and inconsistent elements, both individually and in a team.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Upon completing the course, students should be able to:
- Identify the molecular basis and mechanisms of genetic information flow and its regulation.
- Recall mechanisms of genetic information storage and processing.
- Explain the structure and function of nucleic acids, chromatin organization, and the relationship between molecular structure and biological function.
- Analyze DNA replication mechanisms, mutations, and repair systems that ensure genome stability.
- Describe transcription, gene regulation, translation, and post-translational modifications, as well as their impact on gene expression and cellular function.
- Relate major cell signaling pathways to gene activity control and understand their relevance in physiological, pathological, and biomedical contexts.
Syllabus
Lecture Topics (CMs)
Topic 1: Introduction to Molecular Biology. Molecular Biology in Biomedicine.
Topic 2: Molecular evolution of the cell. Proteins as molecular machines.
Topic 3: Structure and function of nucleic acids.
Topic 4: Composition and structure of chromatin.
Topic 5: Molecular biology of the gene.
Topic 6: DNA replication.
Topic 7: DNA mutation and repair.
Topic 8: Transcription.
Topic 9: Transcriptional regulation.
Topic 10: Translation.
Topic 11: Post-translational modifications.
Topic 12: Signaling pathways controlling gene activity.
Case-Based Learning Topics (MCs)
MC1: Structure and function of nucleic acids
MC2: Chromosomal alterations
MC3: Sequence alignments
MC4: Diagnostic techniques in biomedicine
MC5: Biomedical research on mutations
MC6: Cellular aging
MC7: Molecular biology and biomedicine
MC8: Molecular worksheet I – Basic data and gene information
MC9: Molecular worksheet II – Polymorphisms and pathogenic genetic mutations
MC10: Molecular worksheet III – Gene expression and subcellular localization of proteins
MC11: Molecular worksheet IV – Regulation of gene expression
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The course content will be delivered using three different teaching methodologies or learning activities:
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Lectures (CM) – 36 hours (18 sessions): the instructor delivers the content in a classroom setting to the entire group of students.
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Case Method (MC) – 22 hours (11 sessions): students, working in groups, solve clinical cases or problems provided by the instructor on the same day. In the classroom, students present their conclusions with the active participation of the instructor, who may introduce new concepts whenever necessary.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The final grade for the course is obtained through the evaluation of different components: lectures, case method exercises (CMs), and a midterm and final exam. Below are the details of each component’s contribution and conditions:
1. Midterm Exam (20% of the final grade)
Content: Covers the first half of the lecture material.
Nature: Does not exempt material from the final exam.
Format: Multiple-choice test (4 options, 1 correct answer).
Grading:
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+1 point for each correct answer.
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-0.33 points for each incorrect answer.
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0 points for unanswered questions.
Conditions depending on the type of student:
First-time students (new):
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The midterm exam is mandatory.
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Not taking it results in a score of 0 for this part.
Repeating students:
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The midterm exam is optional.
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If taken, the score will count for 20% of the final grade.
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If not taken, that 20% will be transferred to the final exam, which will then count for 90% of the final grade.
From the 3rd exam sitting onward:
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The midterm grade from previous years is no longer valid.
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Students decide whether to take it or not, following the same rules as above.
2. Case Methods (CMs) – 10% of the final grade
Format: Multiple-choice test at the end of each of the 11 CMs.
Attendance: Not mandatory, but with consequences:
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Each unexcused absence from a CM results in a score of 0 for that activity.
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Accumulating 4 or more unexcused absences results in an automatic 0 for this entire section (10% of the grade).
Repeating students:
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They are not required to repeat the CMs.
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They retain the grade obtained in previous academic years.
3. Final Exam – 70% of the final grade (or 90% for repeating students who did not retake the midterm)
Content: Questions on all lecture material and all CMs from the entire course.
Format: Multiple-choice test (4 options, 1 correct answer).
Grading:
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+1 point for each correct answer.
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-0.33 points for each incorrect answer.
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0 points for unanswered questions.
Weight depending on student type:
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New students: Final exam is worth 70% of the final grade.
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Repeating students who did not retake the midterm: Final exam is worth 90% of the final grade.
Conditions for Passing the Course
Final Exam:
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A minimum score of 5 (out of 10) is required to pass the final exam.
Final Grade:
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Once the final exam is passed, the weighted average for the entire course must also be at least 5.
Average Grade:
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It is not necessary to pass the midterm or the CMs to pass the course, provided that:
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The final exam is passed (minimum 5), and
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The overall weighted average is 5 or higher.
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Bibliography and resources
Alberts, B et al. Biología Molecular de la Célula. 6ª edición. Ediciones Omega 2016.
Lodish et al. Biología Celular y Molecular. 7ª edición. Editorial Médica Panamericana S.A. 2016.
C.K. Mathews, K.E. Van Holde y K.G. Ahern (2002) Bioquímica. 3ª Edición. Pearson Educación.
Evaluation period
- E1 09/01/2026 A16 14:00h
- E2 17/06/2026 A16 14:00h