Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Mobility Credits:Biology IV
Other languages of instruction: English, Spanish
Teaching staff
Questions will be addressed either in person or via videoconference with the course tutor.
Introduction
The Biology IV course covers the fundamentals of systems biology and translational medicine, aiming to integrate molecular, cellular, and clinical knowledge into a comprehensive understanding of biological and pathological processes. Through the analysis of omics data and the modelling of complex biological systems, students will acquire the skills to understand and predict biomedical phenomena, applying this knowledge to the design of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
This course contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting the development of more precise, predictive, and preventive medicine; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through the use of high-throughput data analysis technologies and computational modelling in biomedicine; and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by fostering interdisciplinary thinking and learning based on the integration of data and scientific knowledge.
Pre-course requirements
Students are recommended to have successfully completed previous courses in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Introduction to Bioinformatics, and Biostatistics, as well as to possess basic knowledge of data analysis and the principles of human pathophysiology.
Objectives
- Integrate cellular, molecular, and clinical data to understand complex biological processes.
- Apply systems biology to the prediction and study of diseases.
- Analyze personalized medicine strategies and innovative therapies.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN14 - Identify the principles of biomedical sciences related to health, as well as the basic concepts and tools that have an impact on Biomedical Sciences and allow them to work in any of its fields (biomedical companies, bioinformatics labs, research laboratories, clinical analysis companies, etc.).
- 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.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
- Analyze multi-omics data in a biomedical context.
- Interpret diseases from a systems biology perspective.
- Apply systems biology to biomedical research and clinical practice.
- Critically evaluate predictive models and their clinical applicability.
- Design translational strategies that integrate biological, computational, and clinical data to improve human health.
Syllabus
Topic 1. Concepts of Systems Biology: Biological Interaction Networks.
Topic 2. Integration of Omics Data: Genomics, Proteomics, and Metabolomics.
Topic 3. Modelling and Simulation of Cellular and Pathological Processes.
Topic 4. Biomarkers and Personalized Medicine.
Topic 5. Clinical Applications: Prediction, Diagnosis, and Treatment.
Practice 1. Computational Analysis of Biological Networks.
Practice 2. Bioinformatics Integration of Omics Data.
Practice 3. Simulation of Biological Processes Using Systems Models.
Practice 4. Discovery and Interpretation of Biomarkers.
Practice 5. Design of Personalized Medicine Strategies Based on Multi-Omics Data.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The course content will be delivered through three different teaching methodologies or learning activities:
Lectures – 12 hours: the instructor delivers the course content to the entire class.
Case-Based Learning (CBL) – 24 hours: students work in groups to solve clinical cases provided by the instructor. They present their conclusions in class with the active participation of the instructor, who introduces additional concepts whenever necessary.
Practical classes – 14 hours: practical sessions focused on computational analysis, integration of omics data, systems biology modelling, and the interpretation of biomedical case studies, under the supervision of the instructor.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
1) Students taking the course for the first time:
Midterm examination: 20%
Case-Based Learning (CBL): 20%
Laboratory report: 10%
Final examination: 50%
The instructor reserves up to 10% of the final grade to be awarded based on qualitative criteria such as engagement, participation, respect for basic rules, and professional attitude.
2) Students in the second or subsequent examination periods:
The grades obtained for the Case-Based Learning activities and laboratory practical sessions will be retained, and the final examination will account for 70% of the final grade. Students repeating the course who wish to retake the midterm examination during the third or fifth examination period may do so by informing the course coordinator in advance. It is also possible to repeat the Case-Based Learning activities and/or the laboratory practical sessions during the third or fifth examination period.
General points to be considered regarding the assessment system:
To be eligible for grade averaging, students must obtain a minimum grade of 5.0/10 in the final examination.
In addition to the above, students must obtain an overall average grade of 5.0/10 or higher to pass the course.
Due to the continuous assessment system, students who have not attended at least 75% of the scheduled teaching hours cannot be assessed.
Improper use of electronic devices (including recording or distributing images or audio of students or instructors during teaching sessions, as well as using such devices for recreational or non-educational purposes) may result in removal from the classroom.
Examinations will include multiple-choice questions (4 answer options; +1 for each correct answer and −0.33 for each incorrect answer) and essay or short-answer questions.
4) Class attendance:
Regular attendance at lectures and Case-Based Learning sessions is recommended.
Attendance at lectures is not compulsory, although it is strongly recommended.
Removal from a lecture or a Case-Based Learning session may negatively affect the student's continuous assessment.
Attendance at Case-Based Learning sessions is not compulsory; however, students must attend at least 75% of the sessions to obtain the grade corresponding to this assessment activity.
Attendance at laboratory practical sessions is compulsory. An unexcused absence will result in failure of the course.
5) Award of Honours (Matrícula d'Honor):
When awarding Honours, particular consideration will be given to students' participation and engagement in the different teaching and learning activities, as well as their respect for the course regulations.
6) Improper use of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, or laptop computers may result in removal from the classroom. Improper use includes recording or distributing images or audio of students or instructors during teaching sessions, as well as using these devices for recreational or non-educational purposes.