Molecular and Cellular Basis of Disease

Objectives

In this subject, the student acquires knowledge about the cellular and molecular mechanisms that take place in different pathologies. At the same time, they can be introduced to diagnostic, monitoring and therapeutic systems based on these molecular and cellular bases of diseases.

Learning outcomes

• LO1. Know the main pathologies of the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, immune, nervous, metabolic, kidney and urinary tract, musculoskeletal and blood systems.
• LO2. Analyzes current lines of biomedical research in relation to the major current pathologies of the different systems of the human body.
• LO3. Demonstrates skills for critical reflection in processes linked to the exercise of the profession.
• LO4. Evaluates globally the learning processes carried out in accordance with the plans and objectives set and establishes individual improvement measures.
• LO5. Apply procedures specific to scientific research to the development of training and professional activity.
• LO6. Ethically analyze situations of injustice and inequality and propose compensation measures.
• LO7. Shows sensitivity for an equitable and egalitarian professional practice from a gender perspective.
• LO8. Acquires and demonstrates advanced knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects and work methodology in the field of biomedicine.
• LO9. Collects and interprets data and information on which to base their conclusions, which include reflections on social, scientific or ethical issues in the field of biomedicine.

Competencies

General skills

• Formulate hypotheses following the scientific method, with an ability to summarize and analyze information in a critical way in order to be able to solve problems.

Specific skills

• Combine knowledge of the molecular, cellular, genetic and epigenetic principles of the most prevalent diseases.
• Formulate hypotheses and design experiments in the field of biomedical research.
• Have a systemic vision of the organism, in particular metabolic regulation and control and cell signaling, in order to respond to biomedical challenges.
• Identify the mechanisms of action of infectious agents, drugs and toxins, and their effects on the body.
• Make integrated assessments of the functioning of organs and apparatus, and their role in homeostasis.
• Promote, respect and apply the principles of bioethics in professional activity.
• Recognize endogenous and exogenous agents involved in the main groups of pathologies.

Basic skills

• Students have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in a field of study that builds on general secondary education with the support of advanced textbooks and knowledge of the latest advances in this field of study.
• Students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their field of study) in order to make judgments that include reflection on relevant social, scientific and ethical issues.

Core skills

• Develop strategies for promoting gender equality and equity for all.
• Exercise active citizenship and individual responsibility with a commitment to democratic values and sustainable development.
• Interact in international contexts to transfer knowledge to current and emerging fields of professional development and research.
• Reflect critically on knowledge of all kinds, with a commitment to professional rigor and quality.
• Take control of one's learning process with a view to personal and professional growth and an all-round education.

Content

This subject is structured around the following topics:

• General introduction to the genetic, biochemical and molecular mechanisms of human diseases
• Main molecular processes that lead to the development and progression of diseases and aging in humans (apoptosis, autophagy and senescence, among others)
  • Cellular and molecular mechanisms of genetic diseases
  • Introduction to the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the main non-genetic diseases

Evaluation

According to the Academic Regulations for undergraduate studies at UVic-UCC, there is only one official call for applications that provides for two different evaluation periods:

• Ordinary period, which takes place as part of the training process and during the school period.
• Complementary evaluation period, in which the student can be evaluated again for the tasks, activities or tests that he or she did not pass satisfactorily within the framework of the first period.

Academic or ordinary period

Continuous evaluation of the activities carried out by the student through:

• Topics evaluation: 50%
  • First partial: 25% (refundable)
    Important: to be able to average with the other exam a minimum rating of 4/10 must be obtainedIf you get less than 4/10 you must retake this part.
  • Second partial: 25% (recoverable)
    Important: to be able to average with the other exam a minimum grade of 4/10 must be obtainedIf you get less than 4/10 you must retake this part.
  Important: To pass the subject you must obtain a grade of 5/10 in the average of the two midterms of the evaluation of topics.
• Active participation in classes, seminars and oral presentations (questions to other groups, peer evaluation, attendance and behavior in teamwork): 5% (non-recoverable)
• Online or in-person exercises and quizzes: 15% (non-recoverable)
• Group work: 30% (non-refundable). It is the grade for the presentation, which includes the individual grade (15%) + the group grade (15%).

The final grade for the subject is the result of the weighting of the grades obtained in each of the parts.

Recovery period

Students who do not pass some of the activities considered remediable may remediate them during this period, as long as the total number of parts of the subject not passed does not represent 50% of the final grade.

Important

Plagiarism or copying someone else's work is penalized in all universities and, according to the UVic-UCC coexistence rules, constitute serious or very serious faults. Therefore, during the course of this subject, plagiarism or the improper appropriation of texts or ideas from other people (see What is considered plagiarism?) and the improper or undeclared use of artificial intelligence in an activity automatically result in suspension or other disciplinary measures.

To cite texts and materials appropriately, you must consult the academic citation guidelines and guidelines available on the UVic Library website.

There are some mandatory attendance sessions that the teaching staff indicates in the work plan. The reason for non-attendance must be included among the justifiable reasons provided and must be duly communicated to the teaching staff.

Methodology

The contents of this subject are taught using the methodologies listed below, depending on the needs of the contents to be worked on:

• Master classes
• Practical cases
• Cooperative work for the analysis of scientific articles
• Group work

Bibliography

Key references

• Farreras Valentí P, Rozman C (2020). Medicina interna. Retrieved from https://www-clinicalkey-com.biblioremot.uvic.cat/student/content/toc/3-s2.0-C20181055389
• González, A. (2019). Principios de bioquímica clínica y patología molecular. Retrieved from https://www-clinicalkey-com.biblioremot.uvic.cat/student/content/toc/3-s2.0-C20180005599
• Scriver, C. R., Beaudet, A. L., Sly, W. S., Valle, D., Childs, B., Kinzler, K. W., and Vogelstein, B (2002). The Metabolic and Molecular Bases of Inherited Disease. Retrieved from https://link-springer-com.biblioremot.uvic.cat/article/10.1023/A:1017418800320
• Wood, E. J. (2009). Marks' basic medical biochemistry: A clinical approach. Retrieved from https://iubmb-onlinelibrary-wiley-com.biblioremot.uvic.cat/doi/full/10.1002/bmb.2006.494034052660

Further reading

Teachers will provide complementary bibliography and compulsory reading throughout the course via the Virtual Campus.