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 Integrated Biomedicine 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.
The subject Integrated Biomedicine III subject contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (ODS) of the 2030 Agenda, particularly ODS 3, 9, 10, 12 and 17, by promoting health, people’s well-being, biomedical innovation, social equity, transparency in results, and strategic alliances for scientific and social progress.
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
- 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 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: Characterization of specific markers in cell culture samples using Western blot
- Protein extraction from cell pellets
- Protein concentration quantification
- Preparation of protein samples for Western blot
- Performing the Western blot technique
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 final grade will be calculated based on the following weightings:
1. Students in the first, third, and fifth enrollments:
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Laboratory sessions: 50%. To pass the course, it is mandatory to obtain a mark higher than 4 in this section. The following items will be taken into account:
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Performance of the lab sessions and obtaining results
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Punctuality and attitude during the sessions
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Data recording and calculations
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Quiz on the 1st day of lab sessions: On the first day of lab sessions, students will take a multiple-choice test to demonstrate that they have read and understood the lab content.
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Results presentation and discussion: 30%. The presentation will briefly include the methodology carried out during the lab sessions and the results obtained, as well as any technical issues that may have arisen during the lab work.
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Case methods: 20%. At the end of the case-method activity, students will solve exercises related to the material covered.
Participation in ES-Day: students who attend and participate in all sessions of the Entrepreneurship & Social Day (E&S-Day) will receive an extra 0.5 points added to their final grade.
The teaching staff reserves up to 10% of the grade to be awarded based on subjective criteria such as: engagement, participation, respect for basic rules, etc.
2. Students in the second, fourth, and sixth enrollments:
They will carry out a mock version of one of the lab sessions completed during the course using the provided material. In addition, they will explain in detail the underlying principles of the technique and the protocol to be followed, as defined and explained during the lab sessions. The maximum grade achievable in this sitting is 7.
General points to consider regarding the assessment system:
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Attendance at lab sessions is mandatory.
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Case-method activities are not mandatory, but they count toward the final grade.
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The teaching staff reserves the right to deny entry to students who arrive late.
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Expulsion from the laboratory classroom will result in an automatic fail for the course.
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Misuse of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, or laptops may result in removal from class. Misuse includes recording and sharing images or audio of both students and staff 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 25/06/2026 A16 14:00h