Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Integrated Biomedicine II
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Faculty:
- Pedro Fuentes Varela, PhD (Coordinator) pfuentesv@uic.es
- Montserrat Bolaños (Lectures and practical sessions) montserratbh@uic.es
Introduction
The Integrated Biomedicine II course (3 credits ECTS) is part of a block of three subjects located in the second semester of the first three years (Integrated Biomedicine I, II, III). These subjects aim, as their name suggests, to integrate the concepts that have been worked on in each corresponding year, solving a basic, clinical or technical problem by sharing the concepts that have been received up to that point. Each of these subjects has a specific methodology and teaching activities. The focus of Integrated Biomedicine II is centered on mastering practical aspects of the laboratory, introducing students to semi-autonomous work during the execution of specific practicals.
The course Integrated Biomedicine II contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, particularly SDGs 3, 9, 10, 12 and 17, by promoting health, people’s well-being, biomedical innovation, social equity, transparency in results, and strategic partnerships for scientific and social progress.
Pre-course requirements
Having completed Integrated Biomedicine I. Basic and general knowledge in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology techniques, genetics, and laboratory work dynamics.
Objectives
- To encourage autonomous work during specific experiments and problem-solving in the field of Biomedicine.
- To provide guidance on keeping a laboratory notebook where students record calculations and details of each experiment.
- To promote the understanding and discussion of simple experiment results.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN12 - Identify professional opportunities in the field of Biomedical Sciences, as well as the main tools for scientific dissemination and employment.
- CN15 - Identify analytical and experimental methodologies used in the field of Biomedical Sciences, whether they be established or cutting-edge.
- 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.
- HB09 - Integrate the basic concepts related to the field of biomedicine, both conceptual and experimental, applying theoretical concepts in practice and scientific methodology.
- HB11 - Use analytical and experimental techniques to obtain and record results.
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 during a predetermined research laboratory session, interpreting the protocols of different biomedical techniques.
- Interpret protocols, integrating knowledge of biomedical concepts and techniques.
- Acquire skills in cell culture handling, including media preparation, cell line maintenance, and the application of sterile techniques in the laboratory.
- Extract, purify, and analyze proteins using methods such as gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, and chromatography techniques.
- Perform genomic DNA extraction, quantification, and analysis using tools such as PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis.
Syllabus
• Preparation of laboratory techniques (protocols, solutions, reagents, biosecurity in the laboratory)
• Semi-autonomous execution of techniques related to: cell cultures, proteins, nucleic acids.
• Preparation of the laboratory notebook.
• Presentation of results and discussion of technical problems.
• Assessment of scientific communication carried out by students from other courses.
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) - 16 hours: Practical preparation sessions: in these sessions, students become familiar with the materials and their use, define the protocols and calculations necessary to subsequently carry out the practicals.
3. Practical Classes – 12 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 and provide basic instructions, but the students are responsible for the correct execution of the protocol. The use of lab coats is mandatory.
At the end of the subject, there will be a presentation in which the results will be presented and the work carried out will be discussed.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The total mark will be calculated based on the following weightings:
Students in first sitting:
- Experimental results: 50%. This note will be the average of the three results of the practices. To pass the subject it is mandatory to get an average of 4 must be obtained in the three laboratory experiments.
- Average of the grades from the 3 experiments carried out in the laboratory.
- This grade applies to the whole group.
- Presentation of results and discussion: 30%. In the last session, one presentation per group will be assessed based on the following aspects:
- Presentation and interpretation of the results.
- Discussion of experimental issues/problems.
- The grade may vary among group members.
- Laboratory notebook: 20%. The notebook will be evaluated by the teacher at any time during the course or at the end of it.
- Both the type of information included and the presentation of results in this format will be taken into account.
- This grade is individual.
- Participation in ES-Day: students who participate in all sessions of 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 for subjective arguments such as: involvement, participation, respect for the basic rules, etc.
From the second call exam sitting onwards, students will carry out a mock run of one of the practical sessions performed during the course using the material provided. In addition, they will explain in detail the scientific basis of the technique and the protocol to be followed, as defined and taught during the practical sessions. Students will also have the opportunity to rewrite the laboratory notebook if it was previously failed. The maximum grade that can be obtained from the second sitting onwards is 7.
General points to bear in mind about the assessment system:
1. In order to pass the course and obtain an average with the marks of all the assessments, a minimum average of 4 must be obtained in the three laboratory experiments.
2. Attendance at practices is compulsory. Failure to attend some of the sessions must be justified due to force majeure and will be studied individually by the teacher.
3. Attendance at the MCs is not compulsory. However, it is highly recommended since it is in these sessions where the experiments to be carried out in the practical sessions are designed and prepared. Attendance and participation in class will be positively considered in the final evaluation.
4. The expulsion of a student from the laboratory classroom will mean the automatic failure in the subject.
5. Misuse of electronic devices such as mobiles, tablets or laptops may lead to expulsion from class. Improper use is understood to be the recording and dissemination of both students and teachers during the different sessions.
Bibliography and resources
Bibliography will be specific for each practice and will be indicated in each session.
Evaluation period
- E2 01/07/2026 A16 11:00h