Molecular and Cellular Basis of Disease

Objectives

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

Learning outcomes

• RA1. Know the main pathologies of the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, immune, nervous systems, metabolism, kidneys and urinary tracts, locomotor system and blood.
• LO2. It analyzes the current lines of biomedical research in relation to the major current pathologies of the different systems of the human body.
• LO3. Shows skills for critical reflection in the processes linked to the exercise of the profession.
• LO4. Globally evaluates the learning processes carried out in accordance with the plans and objectives set and establishes measures for individual improvement.
• LO5. It applies procedures specific to scientific research to the development of training and professional activity.
• LO6. It ethically analyzes situations of injustice and inequality and proposes compensation measures.
• LO7. Shows sensitivity for fair and equal professional practice from a gender perspective.
• LO8. Acquire and demonstrate advanced knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects and work methodology in the field of biomedicine.
• RA9. It collects and interprets data and information on which it can base its conclusions, which include reflections on matters of a social, scientific or ethical nature in the field of biomedicine.

Skills

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 in 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 that foresees two different evaluation periods:

• Ordinary period, which takes place in an integrated way in the training process and during the teaching period.
• Complementary assessment period, in which the student can be assessed again for the tasks, activities or tests that he has not passed satisfactorily within the framework of the first period.

Academic or ordinary period

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

• Evaluation of the topics: 50%
  • First partial: 25% (refundable)
    Important: to be able to average with the other exam you must obtain a minimum rating of 4/10 . If you get less than 4/10 you have to go to recovery of this part.
  • Second part: 25% (refundable)
    Important: to be able to average with the other exam you must obtain a minimum rating of 4/10 . If you get less than 4/10 you have to go to recovery of this part.
  Important: to pass the subject you need to obtain a grade of 5/10 in the average of the two partials of the subject evaluation.
• Active participation in classes, seminars and oral presentations (questions to other groups, peer assessment, assistance and behavior in teamwork): 5% (non-refundable)
• Online or face-to-face exercises and quizzes: 15% (non-refundable)
• Group work: 30% (non-refundable). It is the mark of the presentation, which includes the individual mark (15 %) + the group mark (15 %).

The final mark of the subject is the result of the weighting of the marks obtained in each of the parts.

Recovery period

The student who does not pass some of the activities considered recoverable, can recover them during this period, as long as the total parts of the subject not passed do not represent 50% of the final grade.

important

Plagiarism or copying someone else's work is penalized at all universities and, according to the UVic-UCC Coexistence Rules , constitutes serious or very serious offences. Therefore, in the course of this subject, plagiarism or the misappropriation of other people's texts or ideas (see what is considered plagiarism ) and the improper or undeclared use of artificial intelligence in an activity are translated automatically in suspension or other disciplinary measures.

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

There are some compulsory attendance sessions that the teaching staff indicates in the work plan. The reason for non-attendance must be included among the justifiable causes foreseen 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.