Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Clinical and Biomedical Laboratory
Other languages of instruction: English, Spanish
Teaching staff
Questions will be addressed either in person or via videoconference with the course tutor.
Introduction
The Clinical and Biomedical Laboratory course has an applied and advanced approach, focusing on the analysis of human samples, the understanding of diagnostic techniques, and the integration of experimental results within biomedical and clinical contexts.
Building on the knowledge acquired in the Fundamentals of Biomedical Sciences Laboratory course, this elective focuses on the use of more advanced laboratory techniques, biomarker analysis, and the resolution of practical case studies based on real clinical laboratory scenarios.
The Clinical and Biomedical Laboratory course contributes to the training of professionals capable of applying advanced experimental techniques in the fields of biomedicine and health. It is aligned with the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Pre-course requirements
Students are recommended to have successfully completed the core courses Fundamentals of Biomedical Sciences Laboratory, Molecular Biology Laboratory, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Biomedical Analysis Techniques I and II, the courses on the structure and function of human body systems, Clinical Microbiology, Clinical Genetics, and Clinical Biochemistry, as well as courses related to human pathology.
Objectives
- Train students in the use of advanced biochemical, molecular, hematological, and microbiological analysis techniques in a clinical laboratory setting.
- Guide students in the interpretation of laboratory results in relation to pathophysiological processes.
- Explain the role of the clinical laboratory in the diagnosis, monitoring, and prevention of diseases.
- Foster critical thinking, ethical responsibility, and the integration of laboratory data into clinical reasoning.
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
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Use advanced clinical laboratory techniques (e.g., PCR, flow cytometry, immunoassays, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing).
- Relate laboratory results to potential diseases or physiological conditions.
- Interpret and communicate scientific findings through structured laboratory reports.
- Work effectively as part of a laboratory team while applying principles of biosafety, quality assurance, and ethics.
- Design and implement experiments to address specific biomedical or clinical problems.
Syllabus
Block I. The Clinical and Biomedical Laboratory
- Types of clinical and biomedical laboratories.
- Organisation and workflow in biomedical diagnosis.
- Specific biosafety regulations for human samples.
Block II. Advanced Biochemical and Molecular Analysis of Human Samples
- Spectrophotometry applied to clinical enzymes and metabolites.
- Molecular biology techniques in diagnostics: PCR, qPCR, and gel electrophoresis.
- Analysis of proteins and biomarkers.
Block III. Clinical Haematology and Microbiology
- Haematological techniques: complete blood counts and automated and manual cell counts.
- Microbial cultures and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (antibiograms).
- Molecular and biochemical identification of pathogens.
Block IV. Immunology and Applied Diagnostics
- Immunodiagnostic techniques for infectious and autoimmune diseases.
- Applications of flow cytometry in clinical immunology.
- Cell and tissue biology applied to diagnosis.
Block V. Clinical Case Studies and Data Integration
- Discussion of clinical cases based on laboratory results.
- Preparation of clinical laboratory reports.
- Solving biomedical problems through the integration of experimental data.
Block VI. Laboratory Practical Sessions
- Processing and preparation of biological samples for different analytical determinations.
- Application of biochemical, molecular biology, haematology, microbiology, and immunology techniques in the clinical laboratory.
- Interpretation of analytical results and resolution of practical case studies.
- Application of quality, biosafety, and traceability standards during laboratory work.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The course content will be delivered through three different teaching and learning activities:
- Lectures – 12 hours: the instructor delivers theoretical content to the entire class through lecture-based sessions.
- Case-Based Learning (CBL) – 24 hours: students work in groups to solve clinical cases provided by the instructor. During the sessions, each group presents and discusses its conclusions, with active guidance from the instructor, who introduces additional concepts whenever necessary.
- Laboratory Practical Sessions – 14 hours: students perform experimental laboratory activities to apply the concepts covered in the lectures 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: 20%
Laboratory report: 10%
Final examination: 50%
The instructor reserves up to 10% of the final grade to be awarded based on subjective 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) Honours (Matrícula d'Honor): When awarding Honours, particular consideration will be given to students' participation and engagement in the different 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.