Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Techniques for Biomedical Analysis II
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Questions will be answered before or after class. To answer non-face-to-face questions, it will be done by videoconference.
Introduction
The course Biomedical Analysis Techniques II contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, particularly SDGs 3, 4, 9, 10, and 12, by promoting health and well-being, high-quality scientific education, biomedical innovation, equity in access to accurate diagnostics, and the responsible
Pre-course requirements
No prerequisite course is required; however, knowledge of the concepts of molecular and cellular biology is strongly recommended
Objectives
- To know the equipment for the observation of cells and tissues.
- To know the techniques and methods applied to the study of cell morphology and function (both prokaryotic and eukaryotic).
- To understand the fundamentals of cell counting techniques.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN15 - Identify analytical and experimental methodologies used in the field of Biomedical Sciences, whether they be established or cutting-edge.
- 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.
- HB07 - Differentiate instrumental and experimental techniques of disciplines within the field of Biomedical Sciences, critically assessing their suitability for a proposed experimental objective.
- HB11 - Use analytical and experimental techniques to obtain and record results.
Learning outcomes of the subject
At the end of the course, the student:
- Knows the fundamental theoretical bases of the different experimentation techniques used in the field of biomedicine
- Applies the different technical and methodological sources used in biomedical research, emphasizing current and relevant techniques in the field of biomedical sciences.
- Selects and describes which technique is the most appropriate for the study of a certain cell or tissue.
- Knows and handles instrumentation for a specific measurement purpose.
- Interprets the results obtained by the main techniques applied in biomedical research.
- Puts forward the most appropriate methodologies to solve a problem focused on biomedical research.
Syllabus
Unit 1: Microscopy.
Optical microscopy (Simple; Magnifying glass and compound; dark field, bright field, phase-contrast and fluorescent) and electron microscopy (transmission and scanning).
Unit 2: Techniques and methods for the study of Eukaryotic cells.
Fundamentals and processing of tissue fixation. Microtomes and tissue cutting techniques. Stains: Immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence.
Unit 3: Techniques and methods for the study of prokaryotic cells.
Basic and biochemical techniques for bacterial identification, automated methods for bacterial identification.
Unit 4: Cell counting methods.
Basic techniques of cell counting, haematological counters, flow cytometry and their applications in the field of biomedicine
Unit 5: Visit to the UAB laboratory
Laboratory
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Laboratory I: Microscopy
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Laboratory II: Cell counting
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Laboratory III: Analysis of biological fluids
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Fully in-person classroom modality
The content will be delivered through three different teaching methodologies or activities:
Lectures (16 total hours): the teaching staff conveys knowledge to the entire student group in the classroom.
Case Method (8 total hours): students, working in groups, solve clinical cases or exercises provided by the teaching staff on the same day. In the classroom, students present their conclusions with active participation from the teaching staff, who may introduce new concepts whenever necessary.
Practical Classes / Laboratory (50 total hours): experimental demonstrations in the laboratory of concepts studied in theoretical classes, under the supervision of the teaching staff.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
1) Students in the first sitting:
- Resolution of case methods: 25%
- Laboratory: 25%
- Final exam: 50%
2) Students in the second sitting: same criteria as in the first sitting.
3) Students retaking the subject:
Participation in class/attitude, laboratory and case method grades will be kept in their profiles, although, whenever they wish, students will be able to repeat their class attendance and obtain a new grade.
General points to consider about the evaluation system:
1) In the final exam, a minimum grade of 5 must be obtained before calculating the average with the continuous assessment marks (laboratory, case, attitude and partial methods). The exams will consist of multiple-choice questions (4 options, with a penalty of –0.33 for each wrong answer) and short-answer questions. They will cover the contents of the lectures, case methods and laboratory practices.
2) At the beginning of the laboratory practices, the students will take a test that relates to the contents that will be covered in the session. At the end of the practical activity, students must produce a report that reflects the laboratory work, including both the operations carried out during the session and the results obtained from it. Therefore, 25% of laboratory practices will be the average of the tests at the beginning of the session and the reports created in each laboratory.
3) The development of the case methods will be in a group format (these groups will remain constant throughout the course). At the end of the session, each group must prepare a report on the development of the activity that has been assigned and will be made available to all students. In the next class of the case method, the students will take a test (individual) that covers the contents of all the reports generated. Therefore, the 25% allocated to the resolution of the case methods will be the average of the test.
Attendance:
- Regular attendance at lectures and case methods is recommended.
- Attendance at lectures is not mandatory but students will have to follow the standards indicated by the instructors. The expulsion of a student from lectures or case methods will have a negative impact on the evaluations.
- Attendance at practical lessons and case methods is mandatory and students must attend in the assigned groups. The expulsion of a student from the laboratory will mean the automatic failure in the subject.
4) In the granting of the honors, special consideration will be given to participation and involvement in the different methodologies of the subject, as well as respect for the basic rules.
5) The improper use of electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets or laptops may result in class expulsion. Misuse is understood as the recording and dissemination of students or teachers during the different lessons as well as the use of these devices for recreational and non-educational purposes.
Bibliography and resources
- Bruno P. Kremer. (2012) Manual de microscopia. Editorial Omega.
- Alberts B, Bray D, Johnson A, Lewis J, Raff, M, Riberts K, Watson JD. (2004). biología molecular de la célula, 4a edición. Edición omega.
- Bancroft JD y Gamble M. (2002). Theory and practice of histological techniques, 5a edición. editorial churchill livingstone.
- Matsumoto B, ED. 2002. Cell biological application of confocal microscopy. 2a ed. New York academic press.
- Renau J y Megias l 1998. Técnicas de microscopía electrónica. Editorial universidad de granada.
- Robards AW y Wilson AJ 1993. Procedures in electron microscopy. Editorial wiley.
Evaluation period
- E1 20/05/2026 A08 14:00h
- E2 30/06/2026 A16 14:00h