Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Biology of Caregiving
Other languages of instruction: English
Teaching staff
Students may ask lecturers questions at the end of each class. For enquiries outside of class time, students must make an appointment by email:
Josep Clotet (responsable de l'assignatura): jclotet@uic.es Sara Hurtado: shurtado@uic.es Andrea de la Garza: hello@drandreadlgp.com
Introduction
The subject Biology of Care aims to provide future nursing professionals with the basic knowledge necessary to practice their profession with competence and rigor. The course content is structured into three main blocks.
The first block is dedicated to the study of the basic molecules that make up the human body and how they are organized around the unit of life: the cell. This knowledge is fundamental for understanding the normal functioning of the body and the molecular and cellular basis of many diseases and therapies.
The second block addresses the study of microorganisms, especially viruses and bacteria, and their relationship with our immune system. This study is essential for understanding the etiology of infectious diseases, methods of prevention, and the working standards of nursing professionals in a hospital setting.
Finally, the third block focuses on the nutritional needs of individuals, both healthy and those with health problems, throughout the different stages of the life cycle. The goal is to promote and reinforce healthy eating habits, identify nutrients and the foods that contain them, recognize the most prevalent nutritional problems, and select the most appropriate dietary recommendations for each situation.
Pre-course requirements
To successfully complete this course, it is essential to have prior knowledge of Biology equivalent to the second year of Catalan Bachillerato.
Objectives
The objectives of the course coincide with the degree; however, it is focused on the molecular and cellular aspects as well as the nutrition of the person:
- Learn how to assess and evaluate situations of persons at the level of molecular, cellular and nutritional needs, including their ability promote, restore, and maintain an ideal level of health.
- Interpret and apply nursing activities to medical practice, taking into account the clinical and nutritional information in order to promote, restore and maintain the optimal level of health.
- Select and incorporate knowledge of nursing and other health disciplines at the molecular, cellular and nutritional level, as well as be able to formulate appropriate nursing judgments.
- Learn, analyze and apply the research results in the fields of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Dietetics, in the practice of nursing.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- 14. G - Establish mechanisms for evaluation, taking into account scientific, technical and quality standards.
- 15. B - Work with the team of professionals as a basic unit in which uni or multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary professionals and other staff of health care are organized.
- 19. B - Ability to make decisions based on critical thinking and reflective practice.
- 22. G - Use and management of information and research
- 25. E - Knowledge of the field of study
- 29. B - Know the scientific terminology in another language (English).
- 6. E - Base nursing care on scientific evidence and available resources.
- 9. E - Promote healthy lifestyles, self-care, as well as the maintenance of therapeutic and preventive behaviors.
Learning outcomes of the subject
By the end of the course, students should:
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Understand the structural and metabolic foundations of eukaryotic cells and microorganisms.
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Understand the interactions between humans and microorganisms, as well as the role of the latter as etiological agents of infectious diseases.
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Understand the biological and chemical basis of diagnostic, treatment, and disease prevention methods.
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Understand the chemical composition of food.
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Understand dietary and nutritional needs in various pathological situations.
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Be familiar with the scientific method and promote critical thinking and problem discussion.
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Know how to access and use primary sources of scientific information.
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Feel curiosity about the molecular foundations of everyday products and situations.
Syllabus
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The contents of the course will be addressed using different methodologies:
- Lecture: this session is addressed to the entire course. We will study the theorical contents of the subject.
- Critical reading: we will analyse the more recent bibliography relative to the theorical contents.
- Cooperative learning: we will make practical exercices of calculation and diagnosis in groups and the results will be discussed in class.
- Practical sessions: we will make 4 hours of practical microbiology. Small groups.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
1) Evaluation percentage in January (1st call):
• 70% Final exam
• 30% Midterm exam
• The subject is passed with an average grade equal to or greater than 5.
2) Evaluation percentage in July (2nd and subsequent calls):
• 100% Theoretical exam covering all course content.
3) Type of exam:
• Exams will be multiple choice, with 4 options and only one correct answer.
• +1 point for each correct answer
• –0.25 points for each incorrect answer
4) Exam content:
• Up to 10% of the questions may relate to concepts not directly explained in class, but found in the recommended bibliography, analyzed articles, health related news or Moodel Materials
5) Use of electronic devices:
• The improper use of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets or laptops is not allowed. For example:
A) Recording or sharing images or audio of students or teachers.
B) Using these devices for entertainment purposes.
C) Using them when the teacher has explicitly prohibited it.
• Failure to respect these rules may result in expulsion and a penalty of up to –1 in the final grade.
6) Class attendance:
• Attendance at lectures is highly recommended but not mandatory.
• Students attending class must maintain a respectful attitude, silence, and collaboration. Failure to respect these rules may result in expulsion and a penalty of up to –1 in the final grade.
7) Participation and attitude in class (up to +1 in the final grade):
Positive contributions will be valued, such as:
– Contributions and questions that enrich the session (theoretical or practical).
– Answers to questions from other students.
– Detection of errors or inconsistencies in classmates' or teacher’s explanations.
– Answers to teacher questions.
8) Evaluation of laboratory practicals:
• Attendance is not mandatory.
• Punctuality is required. Entry will not be allowed once the session has started.
• Practicals will be evaluated through questions included in the final exam.
• Changing practice groups is allowed, as long as it is done through a swap with another student and the professor is informed in advance.
• Wearing a lab coat is mandatory to participate in the practicals.
Bibliography and resources
Basic Biology: Biology (Freeman). Editorial Addison-Wesley
1.- INTRODUCCION A LA BIOLOGIA CELULAR.
Alberts, B., et al.
Editorial Médica Panamericana. Madrid.
2.- PRINCIPIOS DE BIOQUIMICA.
Nelson, D. L., Cox, M. M.
Ediciones Omega. Barcelona.
3.- BIOLOGIA DE LOS MICROORGANISMOS
Madigan, M. T., et al.
Pearson Educación. Madrid.
4. - GIL, A. Tratado de Nutrición. Editorial Médica Panamericana, 2024.
Tomo I - Bases fisiológicas y bioquímicas de la nutriciónTomo II - Bases moleculares de la nutrición
Tomo III - Composición y calidad nutritiva de los alimentos
Tomo IV - Nutrición humana en el estado de salud Tomo V - Nutrición y enfermedad
Evaluation period
- E1 16/01/2026 12:00h
- E2 13/07/2026 08:00h