In the event that the health authorities announce a new period of confinement due to the evolution of
the health crisis caused by COVID-19, the teaching staff will promptly communicate how this may effect
the teaching methodologies and activities as well as the assessment.
Over the last 50 years, molecular biology has gone through the most unbelievable and dramatic revolution by far more important than any other scientific discipline. Biology, and, as a consequence, medicine, have to be written, analyzed and studied again, or, in others words, reconceived by using the new tools, technologies and all the new knowledge brought by molecular and cellular biology as well as by biochemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Pre-course requirements
Not applicable
Objectives
We will provide the student with the scientific essentials and tools to understand gene function and its implications in the molecular basis of disease, with a focus on future developments in the practice of medicine.
Competencies
You will understand the fundamental traits of gene function within the context of the diverse human genome and its implications in disease.
You will acquire the basic knowledge of molecular analysis tools and their applications to medical diagnostic assays.
05 - Recognize own limitations and the need to maintain and upgrade professional skills, with particular emphasis on autonomous learning of new knowledge and skills and motivation for quality.
06 - Develop professional practice with other health professionals, acquiring teamwork skills.
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.
25 - Recognize the determinants of public health; genetic and sex-dependent lifestyle, demographic, environmental, social, economic, psychological and cultural determinants.
31 - Understand, critically evaluate and know how to use sources of clinical and biomedical information to obtain, organize, interpret and communicate scientific and health care information.
32 - Know how to use information and communication technology in clinical, therapeutic, preventive health care and research.
34 - Ability for critical thinking, creativity and constructive skeptisim with a focus on research within professional practice.
35 - Understand the importance and limitations of scientific thinking in the study, prevention and treatment of disease.
36 - Be able to formulate hypotheses, collect and critically evaluate information for problem solving using the scientific method.
37 - Acquire basic training for research.
CB-1 - To have acquired advanced knowledge and demonstrated, within the context of highly specialised scientific and technological research, detailed comprehension based on theoretical and practical aspects and a working methodology from one or more fields of study.
CB-2 - To know how to apply and incorporate knowledge, an understanding of it and its scientific basis and the ability to solve problems in new and loosely defined environments, including multidisciplinary contexts that include both researchers and highly specialised professionals.
CB-3 - To know how to evaluate and select the appropriate scientific theories and precise methodologies required by their field of study to make judgements based on incomplete or limited information. Where necessary and appropriate, this includes a reflection on the ethical and social responsibility linked to the solution suggested in each case.
CB-5 - To transmit in a clear and unambiguous way to a specialised or non-specialised audience, the results of scientific and technological research projects and innovation from the field of the most advanced innovation, as well as the most important concepts which they are based on.
CB-7 - To be able to take responsibility for their own professional development and specialisation in one or more fields of study.
CTI-1 - To know how to communicate effectively through written and oral communication in a foreign language that will allow them to work in an international context.
CTS-2 - To demonstrate sensitivity to environmental issues and act accordingly.
CTS-3 - To promote and ensure respect for human rights and the principles of universal accessibility, equality, non-discrimination as well as the values of democracy and a culture of peace.
Learning outcomes
The proposed theoretical competences and the abilities in knowledge integration and self-directed learning.
Syllabus
Lectures
L01. Molecular biology for MDs, what for? L02. DNA from shape to function L03. The human genome - complexity and diversity L04. Genome replication and dynamics L05. RNA and transcription L06. Gene control by protein-DNA interactions L07. Multilevel transcriptional control in human L08. RNA splicing and processing L09. Translation and the molecular basis of the code L10. The ribosome - a molecular translator L11. Spatial and temporal control of translation L12. Protein folding, prions and neurodegenerative diseases L13. Omics - the new paradigm in precision medicine L14. Transgenesis L15. Human gene therapy L16. Molecular bases of cancer
Clinical cases
PC1. HIV detection PC2. Breast cancer PC3. Allan-Hernon-Dudley syndrome
Problem-based learning and virtual teaching
PBL. Ensembl - a genomic data hub
Lab practice
LAB. Protein workshop
Teaching and learning activities
Evaluation systems and criteria
Bibliography and resources
Lewin’s Genes XII Krebs JE et al (2017), Jones & Bartlett
Biochemistry 9th ed Berg JM et al (2018), Freeman
Molecular Biology of the Cell 7th ed Alberts B et al (2019), Garland
Molecular Cell Biology 8th ed Lodish H et al (2016), Freeman
Lecture notes Essential concepts and thought-provoking questions