Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Integrated Biomedicine I

Integrated Biomedicine I
3
15773
1
Second semester
OB
INTEGRATED BIOMEDICINE
Main language of instruction: Spanish

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English

Teaching staff


Dra. HURTADO BARROSO, Sara - shurtado@uic.es

Faculty involved:

Dra. HURTADO BARROSO, Sara

Dra. RODRÍGUEZ RODRÍGUEZ, Rosalía

Dr. PÉREZ VALLE, Jorge


For any questions, you can contact Sara Hurtado Barroso via email at shurtado@uic.es.

Introduction

The subject Integrated Biomedicine I is part of a block of courses located in the second semester of the first three years (Integrated Biomedicine I, II, III). These courses aim, as their name indicates, to integrate the concepts worked on in each corresponding year, solving a basic, clinical, or technical problem through the consolidation of the concepts learned so far. Each of the Integrated Biomedicine courses in the curriculum has a specific methodology and teaching activities. In the case of Integrated Biomedicine I, students are introduced to the fundamentals of scientific research, with particular emphasis on the scientific method, critical analysis of scientific literature, and the communication of results through the preparation and defense of a scientific poster.

Likewise, the course is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, promoting education committed to sustainable development, scientific ethics, and social responsibility. Specifically, the course contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by fostering research skills, critical thinking, and information literacy; to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through rigorous analysis of scientific evidence applied to the biomedical field; and to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by encouraging the appropriate use of scientific, technological, and bibliographic resources.

Pre-course requirements

Knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology.

Objectives

  • Teach students what the scientific method is and how to read a scientific article.

  • Explain how to conduct bibliographic searches, cite scientific articles, and manage bibliographies.

  • Provide students with the knowledge and tools to select a scientific study based on its type and quality.

  • Promote students’ critical thinking and the development of skills that allow them to succeed in the biomedical field.

  • Facilitate the integration of the concepts explained in the basic biomedicine subjects.

  • Guide students throughout the course in the research article work they present in poster format.

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:

  • Conduct efficient bibliographic searches in scientific databases.

  • Use reference management software to organize and cite scientific sources properly.

  • Differentiate between different types of scientific studies and their level of evidence.

  • Critically evaluate the quality of scientific articles.

  • Critically evaluate original and review scientific articles in the field of biomedicine.

  • Use the concepts learned in the course to interpret an article and present it to a specialized audience in poster format.

Syllabus

BLOCK 1. INTRODUCTION TO THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

  • Course presentation and the scientific method

  • The scientific article: structure and characteristics

  • Training on library resources

  • Bibliographic resources and scientific databases

  • Reference management tools

  • Types of scientific studies

  • Quality of scientific articles

BLOCK 2. THE SCIENTIFIC POSTER

  • Poster sessions

  • Poster presentation rehearsal

  • Final poster presentation

Teaching and learning activities

In person



Lectures - 6 hours: Course introduction and defense of the poster.

Case Method (CM) - 14 hours: Presenting a real or hypothetical situation. Students work on the questions posed in small groups or interactively with the faculty, and discuss the answers. The faculty actively intervenes and, if necessary, provides new knowledge.

Group academic tutoring – 10 hours (1h15 for each group): Tutorial activity carried out in small groups to promote the creation of a scientific poster through the analysis of a scientific article.


Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



The grade will be calculated based on the following percentages:

Students in first call:

Preparation and Presentation of the Poster: 50%. Of this grade:

(a) 40% for poster preparation:

    • 10% Attendance at all tutorials and good attitude
    • 10% Review of the scientific article, critical understanding and mastery of the content
    • 10% Submissions within the established deadlines
    • 10% Corrections made according to instructions


(b) 60% for poster presentation:

    • 20% for the content of the explanation and the appropriate use of non-verbal language
    • 20% for the ability to answer questions using appropriate scientific language
    • 10% for the ability to adhere to the stipulated time
    • 10% for the design of the poster

Remaining case methods: 50%

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.   Students in second or posterior call: will make an equivalent evaluation to the failed part in which they must obtain a 5 in order to pass and make an average with the rest of the notes. The passed marks will be saved unless the student wants to assist and repeat them.   General points to keep in mind about the evaluation system:   1) Attendance at the rehearsal and the poster presentation is mandatory to pass this part of the subject. 2) Attendance at CM is mandatory. To have the grade of this part of the subject it is necessary to attend a minimum of 11 among 12 sessions. 3) In order to pass the subject, it is mandatory to get a minimum mark of 5 in each part and in the total average. 4) The improper use of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets or laptops can lead to expulsion from class. Improper use means the recording and dissemination of both students and teachers during the different sessions. 5) Excellence in class will be positively considered and may lead to an increase of 10% of the grade. 6) Regarding Honors, special consideration will be given to the candidates for their participation and involvement in the different methodologies of the subject, as well as respect for the basic rules.

Bibliography and resources

The bibliography will be specific for each case worked and will be indicated in each session.

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
  • E1 20/05/2026 I1 16:00h
  • E2 02/07/2026 I3 11:00h
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