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Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Body Structure and Function: Musculoskeletal System

Body Structure and Function: Musculoskeletal System
10
9518
1
First semester
OB
Main language of instruction: Spanish

Teaching staff


Whenever the student may need it, full availability but specifying day and time by e-mail.

Dr. Pedro Alvarez (palvarez@uic.es)

Dr. Raul Figa (rfiga@uic.es)

Dra. Analia Elguezabal (aelguezabal@uic.es)

Dr. Jacobo Rodríguez-Sanz (jrodriguezs@uic.es) (Responsible for the subject)

Introduction

The course of Structure and function of the human body is a fundamental and basic subject that contains different branches of knowledge essential to understand the complexity of the body. Its branches are macroscopic anatomy (clinical, functional, descriptive and radiological), microscopic anatomy (histology) and physiology. The justification of this subject focuses on transmitting to the student the idea that the human being constitutes a highly complex and unified structural and functional unit.

The subject allows us to study the healthy locomotor system and to see how any alteration breaks its equilibrium. A good physician must know human anatomy, physiology and histology. With the knowledge acquired, the student will know the structures involved in the musculoskeletal system to be able to develop a correct clinical reasoning.

The medical student will acquire the understanding that the patient is a human being, with its human and social dimension and establish a good relationship with the patient and not only be limited to the purely structural aspect. For this reason, humanistic and cultural aspects should be included, promoting the interest of the students to acquire not only a series of scientific knowledge, but also a great intellectual formation.

 

Pre-course requirements

Not applicable

Objectives

GENERAL OBJECTIVES:

They allow the student to :

 

  1. Gain basic knowledge theoretical, practical , functional , radiological and apply to human anatomy head, neck , trunk and extremities of the musculoskeletal .
  2. Familiar with medical language and international payroll and acquire anatomical self-learning and study habits .
  3. Apply anatomical and physiological knowledge learned face problems it faces .
  4. Make judgments or discussion of research topics .
  5. To learn the use of the microscope as a diagnostic tool.
  6. Learn the essential characteristics that identify a cell or tissue.
  7. To introduce students to the combined analysis of clinical and morphological data , using case studies ( ABP ) .
 

 

 

 

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

 

Specific objectives of Upper Extremity

1. Know the different bones that form the skeleton of the upper extremity.

2 . Identify and describe the morphological and functional characteristics of the different joints of the upper extremity.

3. Describe and analyze the mechanisms involved in the different movements of the upper extremity.

4. Classify, identify and describe the muscles of different regions of the upper extremity.

 5. Identify and describe the vessels and nerves of the upper extremity.

6. Identify the different body structures of the shoulder girdle , arm, forearm and hand.

7. Palpate anatomical details of the upper extremity.

8. Clinical Problem Solving from deductions made with the basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the upper extremity.

9. Identifiy by imaging techniques, structures different topographical regions of the upper limb.

 

 

Specific objectives of Head and Neck

1. Understand and identify the different orman the skeleton bones of the face and skull.

2. Describe the boundaries of the mass endocraneanas major holes and locate the skull.

3. Identify and describe the morphological and functional characteristics of the temporomandibular joint.

4. Describe and analyze the mechanisms involved in the different movements of the head and neck.

5. Describe and classify the muscles of the head.

6. Identify and describe the vessels and nerves of the face.

7. Probing the various elements that comprise the facial bones.

8. Identify elements of the skull bone and muscle by anatomical preparations in cadavers.

9. Clinical Problem Solving from deductions made with the basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the head.

10.Identify and describe the different topographical regions of the head by imaging techniques.

 

Specific objectives of the Trunk

 

1. Know the different bones that form the skeleton of the trunk.

2. Identify and describe the morphological and functional characteristics of the different joints of the spine and thorax.

3. Describe and classify different regions muscles of the trunk.

4. Identify and describe the vessels and nerves of the trunk.

5. Identify in the bod , the different structures that are located in the spine , thorax and abdomen.

6. Identify the anatomical details of the trunk by radiological imaging.

7. Palpate certain anatomical details of the spine, abdomen and thorax

8. Clinical Problem Solving from deductions made with the basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

 

Specific objectives of the Lower Extremity

1. Know the different bones that form the skeleton of the lower extremity.

2. Identify and describe the morphological and functional characteristics of the different joints of the lower extremity .

3. Describe and analyze the mechanisms involved in the different movements of the lower extremity.

4. Muscles describe and classify different regions of the lower extremity.

5. Identify and describe the vessels and nerves of the lower extremity.

6. Identify in the body, the elements contained in different topographical regions of the lower extremity.

7. Palpate certain anatomical details of the lower extremity.

8. Clinical Problem Solving from deductions made with the basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the lower extremity.

9. Identify and describe the different topographical regions of the lower extremity using imaging techniques.

 

 

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • 07 - Understand and recognise normal structure and function of the human body at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ and systemetic levels, at different stages of life and in both sexes.
  • 09 - Understand and recognize the effects, mechanisms and manifestations of disease on the structure and function of the human body.
  • 10 - To understand and recognise the agents and risk factors which determine health status, and learn how they determine the symptoms and natural development of acute or chronic diseases in individuals and populations.
  • 11 - Understand and recognize the effects of growth, development and aging on the individual and their social environment.
  • 12 - Understanding the foundations for action, the indications and efficacy of therapeutic interventions, based on available scientific evidence.

Learning outcomes of the subject

Knowledge

  • Understand the structural and functional organization of the musculoskeletal system, including muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, vessels, and nerves.
    ↪︎ (C4; Scientific)

  • Describe the histological and physiological foundations of the musculoskeletal system, integrating the relationship between structure and function at the cellular, tissue, and systemic levels.
    ↪︎ (C4; Scientific)

  • Relate anatomy to clinical examination and pathophysiology in the most common musculoskeletal disorders, using real-case methodologies.
    ↪︎ (C4, C6; Scientific)

Skills

  • Apply techniques for identifying human anatomical structures in the dissection lab, using digital tools to consolidate standardized practical learning.
    ↪︎ (H13, H14; Scientific; Research)

  • Interpret anatomical images and correlate them with histological and physiological sections, employing clinical reasoning supported by information technologies.
    ↪︎ (H7, H10, H15; Scientific; Research)

  • Integrate knowledge of anatomy, histology, and physiology of the musculoskeletal system to solve simulated clinical cases, promoting the development of critical thinking and decision-making in controlled and collaborative settings.
    ↪︎ (H4, H12; Scientific; Research)

  • Use collaborative strategies and lead practical team-based tasks in the anatomical lab environment, fostering an ethical, autonomous, and responsible attitude.
    ↪︎ (H6, H16; Humanistic; Scientific)

Skills

  • Apply anatomical, histological, and physiological knowledge of the musculoskeletal system in academic contexts, integrating it transversally with other basic first-year subjects to promote a comprehensive understanding of the human body.
    ↪︎ (C4, H12; Scientific; Research)

  • Actively and responsibly collaborate in individual and group practical activities, respecting ethical standards in the anatomical laboratory and contributing to shared learning in interdisciplinary and collaborative environments.
    ↪︎ (C3, H16; Humanistic; Scientific)

  • Develop a critical, reflective, and professional attitude towards the study of the human body, demonstrating sensitivity and respect for body donation, human dignity, and medical ethics from the early stages of training.
    ↪︎ (C1, C2; Humanistic)

Syllabus

Master Classes. Content Distribution.

 

PART I. GENERAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

 

Unit 1 Overview of Gross Anatomy. Concept and evolution of anatomy. Method of study. Anatomical position. Axes and planes. Anatomical terminology.

  Topic 2 Overview of the skeletal system. Bone: formation, classification and morphology. Bone development. General joint system. Concept. Morphological and functional classification. Study of different types of joints. Overview of the muscular system. Definition and classification. Vascularization and innervation.

  Topic 3 microscopic anatomy of skeletal tissues I. compact bone: osteon system. Spongy bone and bone marrow. Periosteum.

  Topic 4: Microscopic anatomy of skeletal tissues II. Cartilage: hyaline, elastic and fibrous. Joints. Tendons.

  Topic 5 microscopic anatomy of skeletal muscle. Sarcomeres. Arrangement of myofilaments. The conduction system of the contractile stimulus.

  Topic 6. General physiology: cell and general physiology. Functional organization of the human body and control the internal environment. Cells as living units. Extracellular fluid: internal environment. Homeostatic mechanisms. Control systems of the body.

 

PART II. Musculoskeletal Organs and Tissues Function 

  Item 7 physiology of bone tissue and Functions of bone tissue. Composition of bone tissue. Macroscopic and microscopic Rating: characteristics and location.

  Item 8 of bone tissue physiology II: Formation of bone tissue. Homeostasis of bone and calcium metabolism relation; control systems.

  Item 9 Physiology of the joints. Structural and functional classification. Constituents and physiology of synovial joints: articular cartilage, synovial capsule, discs and meniscus, ligaments, synovial sheaths and bursa.

  Item 10 Muscle Physiology. Contraction of skeletal muscle. Molecular mechanism of muscle contraction .. Mechanical contraction of skeletal muscle .. Mechanical properties of strength and conditioning.

  Item 11 Type of muscle fibers. Source of energy for muscle contraction: metabolic pathways during exercise. Muscle fatigue. Types of muscle contraction. Formation and smooth muscle contraction.

 

PART III. CLINICAL AND FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY OF THE UPPER LIMB

  Topic 13 Introduction to miologia of the upper extremity. Description and biomechanical characteristics.

  Topic 14 Introduction to the girdle. Muscles of the shoulder girdle. Muscles connecting the upper extremity to the vertebral column. Muscles connecting the upper extremity to the thorax. Muscles of the scapula. Regional anatomy of the shoulder girdle.

  Topic 15 Introduction to the arm compartments. Muscles of the anterior compartment of the arm. Muscles of the posterior compartment of the arm. Regional anatomy of the arm.

  Topic 16 Introduction to the forearm. And interosseous membrane compartments. Muscles of the anterior compartment of the forearm. Lateral compartment muscles of the forearm. Muscles of the posterior compartment of the forearm ..

  Topic 17 Introduction to hand. Compartments. Muscles of the thenar compartment. Intermediate compartment muscles. Muscles of the hypothenar compartment. Regional anatomy of the hand.

  Topic 18 Innervation of the upper extremity: Introduction. Brachial plexus: constitution. Anterior and posterior collateral branches. Terminal branches of the brachial plexus. Cutaneous innervation and dermatomes.

 Topic 19. venous and arterial vascularization of the upper extremity. Palmar arches. Superficial venous vessels and their characteristics. Major vessels and lymph nodes.

 

PART IV. CLINICAL AND FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY OF HEAD AND NECK

 

Topic 20 Introduction to miologia head and neck. Description and biomechanical characteristics. Facial expression.

  Item 21 muscles of the face and skull. Muscles of mastication.

  Item 22 of the neck muscles. Muscles of the neck. Muscles of the back. Muscles of the anterior region.

  Item 23 Innervation of the head and neck: Introduction. Cervical plexus: constitution. Collateral branches and terminal branches. Cutaneous innervation and dermatomes.

  Item 24 venous and arterial vascularization of the head and neck. Superficial venous vessels and their characteristics. Major vessels and lymph nodes.

 

PART V. CLINICAL AND FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY OF THE TRUNK

 

Topic 25 Introduction to the trunk. Description, location, division and biomechanical characteristics.

  26. dorsal trunk muscles (muscles of the spine). Chest muscles.

  Item 27 Abdominal muscles. Diaphragm muscle. Respiratory mechanics. Movements of the chest wall. Regional anatomy of the trunk.

  Item 28: Innervation. Arterial and venous trunk. Superficial venous vessels and their characteristics. Major vessels and lymph nodes.

 

PART VI. CLINICAL AND FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY OF THE LOWER LIMB

 

Topic 29 Introduction to miologia lower limb. Description and biomechanical characteristics.

  Topic 30 Introduction to the pelvis. Compartments. Pelvic Muscles: Muscles of the Anterior iliac region. Muscles of the gluteal region. Regional anatomy.

  Topic 31 Introduction to the thigh: Compartments. Muscles of the anterior compartment of the thigh. Muscles of the medial compartment of the thigh. Muscles of the posterior compartment of the thigh. Regional anatomy of the thigh.

  Topic 32 Introduction to the leg: and interosseous membrane compartments. Muscles of the anterior compartment of the leg. Lateral compartment muscles of the leg. Muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg. Regional anatomy of the leg.

  Topic 33 Introduction to the foot. Compartments. Classification of muscles. Dorsal muscles of the foot. Medial plantar muscles. Plantar muscle power. Lateral plantar muscles.

  Item 34 Innervation of the lower extremity: lumbosacral plexus: concept and constitution. Collateral branches and terminal branches of the lumbar plexus. Terminal branches of the sacral plexus. Cutaneous innervation and dermatomes.

Item 35 arterial and venous lower limb. Plantar arches. Superficial venous vessels and their characteristics. Major vessels and lymph nodes.

 

 

 

Methods of the case. Distribution content.

 

PART I. CLINICAL PHYSIOLOGY

 

Practice 1 Clinical Physiology of bone tissue. Apply knowledge of bone physiology in solving clinical cases. Current scientific articles in the field of physiology and clinical bone tissue. Laws bone growth.

  Practice 2 Clinical Physiology of muscle tissue. Application of knowledge on muscle physiology resolution of clinical cases. Current scientific articles in the field of clinical physiology and muscle tissue. Fatigue, DOMS, muscular dystrophies, muscle metabolism.

 

PART II. Descriptive anatomy, Functional, radiological and clinical upper extremity.

 

3 Practical Introduction to the study of the osteology and artrologia of the upper extremity. Overview of the upper extremity. Biomechanical functions and requirements.

 

Practice 4 Artrologia the upper limb girdle I.. Clinical cases. Clinical anatomy. Scientific articles. Radiological anatomy. Descriptive and functional anatomy.

 

Practice 5 Artrologia the upper limb II. The shoulder joint. Clinical cases. Clinical anatomy. Scientific articles. Radiological anatomy. Descriptive and functional anatomy.

 

6 Artrologia Practice III upper extremity. The elbow joint. Clinical cases. Clinical anatomy. Scientific articles. Radiological anatomy. Descriptive and functional anatomy.

 

Practice 7 Artrologia upper extremity IV. The wrist joint and joints of the hand. Clinical cases. Clinical anatomy. Scientific articles. Radiological anatomy. Descriptive and functional anatomy.

 

 

PART III. Descriptive anatomy, Functional, radiological and clinical head and neck.

 

8 Practical Introduction to the study of the osteology and artrologia the head and neck. Standards for the radiological study of the skull.

  Practice 9 Osteology of the skull. Braincase and víscerocrani. Main reliefs and foramina. Relations clinics.

  Practice 10 Artrologia head and neck. Temporomandibular joint. Sutures. Joints and atlantooccipital atlantoaxoidea.

 

PART IV. Descriptive anatomy, Functional, radiological and clinical trunk

 

11 Practical Introduction to the study of the osteology and artrologia trunk. Whole ribcage, sternum, vertebrae and ribs.

  Practice 12 Artrologia trunk. Intervertebral joints: intersomàtiques, interapofisiàries, lumbosacral and sacrococcygeal. Esternocostals joints. Costovertebrals joints.


 

PART II. Descriptive anatomy, Functional, radiological and clinical upper extremity.

 

13 Practical Introduction to the study of the osteology and artrologia lower limb. Overview of the lower limb. Biomechanical functions and requirements.

  Practice 14 Artrologia lower limb I. pelvis. Clinical cases. Clinical anatomy. Scientific articles. Radiological anatomy. Descriptive and functional anatomy.

  Practice 15 Artrologia lower limb II. The hip joint. Clinical cases. Clinical anatomy. Scientific articles. Radiological anatomy. Descriptive and functional anatomy.

  Practice 16 Artrologia lower limb III. The knee joint. Clinical cases. Clinical anatomy. Scientific articles. Radiological anatomy. Descriptive and functional anatomy.

  Practice 17 Artrologia lower limb IV. The ankle joint and foot joints. Clinical cases. Clinical anatomy. Scientific articles. Radiological anatomy. Descriptive and functional anatomy.

 

 Laboratory Practicals. Content Distribution

PARTS I & II. FUNCTIONAL AND CLINICAL ANATOMY OF THE UPPER AND LOWER LIMBS

  • Practical 1. Osteology of the Upper Limb: Study of the bones and bony landmarks forming the upper limbs.

  • Practical 2. Dissection of the Shoulder Girdle and Arm: Study of arthrology and the muscles connecting the upper limb to the vertebral column and thorax. Muscles of the scapula and arm. Anatomical-clinical correlation.

  • Practical 3. Dissection of the Elbow and Forearm: Study of elbow arthrology and the myology of the forearm (anterior and posterior compartments). Anatomical-clinical correlation.

  • Practical 4. Dissection of the Hand: Study of the arthrology and myology of the hand. Anatomical-clinical correlation.

  • Practical 5. Osteology of the Lower Limb: Study of the bones and bony landmarks forming the lower limbs.

  • Practical 6. Dissection of the Pelvis and Thigh: Study of the arthrology and the muscles of the pelvis and thigh. Anatomical-clinical correlation.

  • Practical 7. Dissection of the Knee and Leg: Study of the arthrology and muscles of the knee and leg. Anatomical-clinical correlation.

  • Practical 8. Dissection of the Foot: Study of the arthrology and muscles of the foot. Anatomical-clinical correlation.

PART II. FUNCTIONAL AND CLINICAL ANATOMY OF THE HEAD AND NECK

  • Practical 9. Dissection of the Facial Musculature: Muscles of facial expression. Anatomical-clinical correlation.

  • Practical 10. Dissection of the Temporomandibular Joint and Muscles of Mastication. Dissection of the Cervical Region: Anatomical-clinical correlation.

PART III. FUNCTIONAL AND CLINICAL ANATOMY OF THE TRUNK

  • Practical 11. Dissection and Arthrology of Trunk Structures, Including a Review of All Previous Dissections in the Course.

PART IV. HISTOLOGY PRACTICALS

  • Practical 12. Introduction to the Microscope and Laboratory Visit: Introduction to Histology. Concept and classification of tissues. Organs and systems. Organization and functioning of the Histology Laboratory: paraffin embedding and frozen sectioning. Staining techniques: histochemical and immunohistochemical. Electron microscopy.

  • Practical 13. Microscopic Examination of Skeletal Tissues I: Bone tissue.

  • Practical 14. Microscopic Examination of Skeletal Tissues II: Cartilage tissue.

  • Practical 15. Microscopic Examination of Skeletal Tissues III: Muscle tissue.

  • Practical 16. Microscopic Examination of Skeletal Tissues IV: Peripheral nervous tissue.

 

PART V. ROLE OF LOCOMOTOR

 

Practice 28 Clinical examination of the musculoskeletal system.

 

29 Practical Electromyography. Recruitment of fibers and regulate muscle strength. Fatigue.

Teaching and learning activities

In person



Different teaching and learning methodologies will be implemented:

Lecture (CM) face to face.

Case method (MC) face to face. Are mandatory

Laboratory Practices (PL) face to face, are mandatory for students in 1st call. To achieve them is essential to use gowns and gloves. Not allowed to enter the classroom practices folders or bags.

Tutoring group (TR).

Virtual Learning (AV).

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



First Sitting (1st Examination Session)

The final grade is calculated based on the sum of the following assessment components:

  • 20% Midterm Exam

  • 30% Final Practical Exam

  • 40% Final Exam

  • 10% Continuous Assessment

20% Midterm Exam
  • Format: Approximately 30–40 multiple-choice questions (including images, diagrams, dissections, and diagnostic test images).

  • Content: Covers all material taught up to the day before the exam (including lectures, lab practicals, and case-based learning), as well as the content specified in the recommended bibliography.

  • Scoring: Each incorrect answer deducts 0.33 points. Unanswered questions do not affect the score.

30% Final Practical Exam (Anatomy Practical + Histology Exam)
  • Requirement: Students must pass this component as a whole in order to pass the course.

40% Final Exam
  • Format: 60–100 multiple-choice questions.

  • Content: Covers all topics taught throughout the course (lectures, practicals, and case-based learning), as well as the content included in the recommended bibliography.

  • Requirement: Students must pass this exam to pass the course.

  • Scoring: Each incorrect answer deducts 0.33 points. Unanswered questions do not affect the score.

10% Continuous Assessment
  • Involves in-class questions during lectures and practical sessions.

Students Repeating the Course (2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Examination Sessions)

The final grade is calculated based on the sum of the following assessment components:

  • 20% Midterm Exam

  • 30% Practical Exam

    • This consists of two sections: Histology and Anatomy Practicals.

    • Requirement: Both sections must be passed as a whole.

  • 50% Final Exam

*To pass the course, students must pass both the practical and final exams independently.

 

 IMPORTANT

 

- It is MANDATORY to pass the final theoretical test and the final practical test in order to pass the course. If the average of the student of the course is approved but any of these two exams is failed, the student will be suspended.

 

- In the final practical exam, the grade of the practical dissection exam and the histology exam will be the average. It will be allowed that one of the two exams is failed as long as the average of both is approved.

 

Honors are not obligatory and may not be awarded. They will be awarded at the discretion of the faculty. The grades obtained will be considered, but other aspects such as participation, attendance and attitude in class will also be taken into account.

 

- It is STRICTLY PROHIBITED to record or take photos in any of the classes without the teacher's consent. Failure to comply may result in serious consequences, including expulsion from the university.

Bibliography and resources

BASIC BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anatomy

Lorente, Miguel, Pérez y Escalona. Manual de miología. Ed. Masson-Elsevier.

Schünke. Prometheus. Texto y Atlas de Anatomía. Tomo1 Anatomía General y Aparato Locomotor. Ed. Panamericana. 

KAPANDJI, A.I. . Fisiología Articular. 6ª ed. Editorial Panamericana (2007).

Moore K.L.: Anatomía con orientación clínicaEditorial Panamericana. 1996.

DRAKE, R.L., VOGL, W., MITCHEL, A.W.M. (2010). Gray. Anatomía para estudiantes. 2ª ed. Editorial Elsevier

ROHEN, J.W., YOKOCHI, Ch. (2011). Atlas fotográfico de Anatomía humana. 7ª ed. Editorial Elsevier

 

Physiology

Guyton - Hall. Tratado de fisiología médica 12ª edición. Ed. Elsevier. 2011.

 

Mezquita C. Fisiología médica. Del razonamiento fisiológico al razonamiento clínico. Barcelona: Panamericana; 2011.

 Levy, M.N, Berne, R. M., Koeppen, B.M., Stanton, B. A. Fisiología. 6ª ed. Barcelona: Elsevier; 2009.

Córdova, A. [et al.]. Fisiología dinámica. Barcelona: Masson; 2003.

Fox, S.I. Fisiología humana. 7ª ed. Madrid: McGraw-Hill, Interamericana; 2003.

Tresguerres, J.A.F. Fisiología humana. 3º ed. Madrid: McGraw-Hill, Interamericana; 2005.

Tortora - Derrickson. Principios de Anatomía y fisiología (11ª edición).Médica Editorial Panamericana. 2006.

 

Histology

 Alan Stevens y James Lowe. HISTOLOGÍA HUMANA (3ª edición). Ed. Elsevier. 2006.

A.L. Kierszenbaum. Histología y Biología celular (2ª edición). Ed. Elsevier. 2008.

Welsch. Sobotta Histología (2ª ed). Ed. Panamericana. 2009.

 

  

COMPLEMENTARY BIBLIOGRAPHY

 

Federal Committee on Anatomical Terminology (FCAT) - Sociedad Anatómica Española (SAE) – International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA). Terminología Anatómica. 1ª ed. 2001; Editorial Medica Panamericana.

FENEIS, H., DAUBER, W. Nomenclatura anatómica ilustrada. 5ª ed. Editorial Elsevier. 2006

Rouvière H. Anatomía Humana. Editorial Masson.1988.

F.Netter. Atlas de anatomía humana. Ed.MassonSobotta. Atlas de anatomía humana. Ed.Panamericana

Thibodeau, G.A. Patton K.T. Anatomía y fisiología. 4ª ed. Madrid: Harcourt; 2007.

 

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
  • E1 07/01/2026 10:00h

Teaching and learning material