Molecular and Cellular Bases of Disease

Molecular and Cellular Bases of Disease
Health & Medical Sciences
Universidad de Salamanca - Cursos Internacionales

INTRODUCTION:

The advances in cellular and molecular biology have enriched our understanding of physiological mechanisms as well as the bases of pathophysiology processes, which has allowed us to improve diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches. The steps forwards in these fields have also generated a high degree of confusion regarding terminology and concepts. In this course we will present to the students 15 clinical cases that will permit them to investigate both individually and collaboratively through electronic databases many new concepts. Collected information will be shared and used to interpret proposed question on cellular and molecular mechanisms of the diseases involved in order to reach under the teacher supervision a final overview of the whole situation. In addition, three practical problems that will developed in six sessions will help the students to get in contact with the real activity in the clinical laboratory.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

The general objective of this course is to provide the medical students with a broad overview of the way they must face the study of biochemistry, physiology and pathophysiology with an integrative method that combine the understanding of the very basic cellular and molecular mechanisms with the manifestation of the diseases in the patient.

Secondarily the course aims to:

A) Introducing the student to basic clinical and research laboratory work.
B) Integrating the learning directed by the teacher with the active search of information by the student.
C) Learning to work as part of a team by sharing tasks and information.

COURSE STRUCTURE:

The course will consist of three blocks, including each one five cases to be investigated and studied under the teacher guidance for two hours and a practical session of four hours aimed to give the students the opportunity to have real contact with laboratory techniques. Each block will be evaluated separately as described below.

SYLLABUS:

Block 1: Metabolism and Disease

1. Practical session: Liver functional tests

Block 2: Cells, Tissues and Organs in Health and Diseases

2. Practical session: Blood cells and cardiovascular control

Block 3: Regulatory Systems and Disease

3. Practical session: Oral glucose tolerance test

GRADING:

Course evaluation will follow this scheme: Partial exams 75% (25% per block)
Practical sessions 15% (5% each)
Class participation, debates, case discussions, etc. 10% Total 100%
A minimum attendance of 85% of the sessions is required.

Grading will follow both the European numerical grading system and the North American letter system:

9.5 - 10 = Sobresaliente = A+
9 - 9.49 = Sobresaliente = A
8.5 - 8.9 = Sobresaliente = A-
8 - 8.49 = Notable = B+
7.5 - 7.9 = Notable = B
7 - 7.49 = Notable = B-
6.5 - 6.9 = Aprobado = C+
6 - 6.49 = Aprobado = C
5 - 5.9 = Aprobado = C-

Less than 5 = Asistencia/Fail

NOTE: Student must attend at least 85% of class in order to pass.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Recommended manuals:

CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY.
GAW A., MURPHY M.J., SRIVASTAVA R., COWAN R.A., O'REILLY D.S.J. CHURCHILL LIVINGSTONE, ELSEVIER LTD.
5th Edition, 2013.

MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY. BAYNES J., DOMINICZAK M.H.
SAUNDERS ELSEVIER HEALTH SCIENCES.
4ht Edition, 2014.

HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY: AN INTEGRATED APPROACH SILVERTHORN D.U., JOHNSON B.R.
PEARSON EDUCATION
6th Edition, 2013.

BERNE & LEVY PHYSIOLOGY, UPDATED EDITION KOEPPEN B.M., STANTON B.A.
ELSEVIER HEALTH SCIENCES
6th Edition, 2009.

GUYTON AND HALL TEXTBOOK OF MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY HALL J.E.
ELSEVIER HEALTH SCIENCES
13th Edition, 2015.

HARRISON'S PRINCIPLES OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
KASPER D., FAUCI A., HAUSER S., LONGO J., JAMESON L., LOSCALZO J. MC GRAW HILL
19th Edition, 2015.