Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Experimental Models in Biomedical Research
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish,
Teaching staff
Questions may be answered before or after each class or during the individual tutorials at an arranged time.
Professor responsible for the subject: Sebastian Zagmutt (szagmutt@uic.es)
Introduction
In this course, students will gain an understanding of the experimental models available in biomedical research. The aim is to help students select the most suitable model for their future research. A number of important aspects will be taken into account, such as ethical matters, types of models, experimental design, randomisation, etc. Additionally, students will be able to search for alternatives to the use of animals and learn about the main approaches in different fields of research.
Pre-course requirements
No prerequisits
Objectives
To increase the students’ knowledge of the most common experimental models used in biomedical research
To identify the limitations of each experimental model and propose an alternative to the use of animals in the main project
To evaluate the generation of models for specific experiments
To consider ethical aspects prior to designing a project
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- C1 - Think critically about the use of usual and alternative experimentation models in biomedical research.
- C7 - Respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights, democratic and peace culture values.
- C8 - Use language that avoids androcentrism and stereotypes in oral and written media.
Learning outcomes of the subject
- K1 - Understand the different research demands in which the different experimental methodologies can be put into practice.
- K2 - Understand the concept of scientific integrity in the field of biomedical research from a critical point of view.
- K3 - Have knowledge of the main financing options for research and innovation projects, nationally and internationally.
- K4 - Demonstrate a critical and advanced understanding of a wide diversity of theories, principles and concepts, on major human diseases.
- K5 - Develop the ability to critically evaluate research in the field of biomedical sciences, assessing methodologies and, if appropriate, proposing new approaches/hypotheses.
- K6 - Have advanced knowledge of work dynamics in a biomedical research laboratory.
- K7 - Have knowledge of mechanisms that allow classifying and summarising the information that emerges from the research activity in the biomedicine laboratory.
- K8 - Develop the ability to write and publicly defend a master’s final degree project related to the area of biomedical research.
- S1 - Analyse and critically manage the advanced research methodologies available in the field of biomedical sciences, discussing their use in various kinds of research.
- S2 - Manage the complexity involved in research following a position of scientific integrity, including, if appropriate, a reflection on the social and ethical responsibilities linked to the different cases.
- S3 - Be able to analyse, interpret and critically evaluate information, theories and complex concepts in the different areas of biomedical research.
- S4 - Have the ability to solve problems associated with practice in a biomedical research laboratory with a high degree of autonomy.
- S5 - Be able to solve hypotheses or research problems by designing, planning and executing complex experiments.
- S6 - Be able to decide which experimental methodology is most appropriate for the objectives that arise in the different fields of biomedical research.
- S7 - Be able to disseminate the research results in the biomedicine area that contribute to the knowledge of specialised and non-specialised audiences.
- S8 - Be able to argue, the of scientific results one’s own research or those of other researchers in an oral presentation.
- S9 - Be aware of how to correctly use scientific verbal and non-verbal language in oral defences.
Syllabus
I.- Ethical issues
- Ethical issues related to the use of animals
II.- Animal models in biomedical research
- Small animals (rats/mice)
- C. elegans
- Large animals
- Zebrafish
- Drosophila
- Searching for alternatives to animal models
III.- Design of procedures and projects
- Experimental design/ Variables/ Randomization.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The training activities that will be used are as follows:
Lectures: Face-to-face and occasionally online. They represent the theoretical basis of the content of the master’s degree. In the face-to-face lectures, all students will be in the classroom attending and participating in the presentation given by the lecturers.
Case Method: In face-to-face classes, students will develop skills for detecting needs, communicating and defining and solving problems. This is mostly associated with achieving the skills mentioned in the learning outcomes. It is a type of experience-based and reflective learning that helps generate knowledge and skills. In case method activities, all students are in the classroom working in small groups (3-5 students). The teacher guides and leads the activities and makes them more dynamic.
Practicums/Laboratory Work: Face-to-face, providing students the opportunity to interact with the work tools, through practical demonstrations of the theoretical knowledge they acquire. In the practicums, learning outcomes K, S and C are combined. The practicum laboratories are equipped to accommodate the entire student body (20), divided into groups of 2-3 students. In the practical activities, the faculty members will guide and help the students achieve the specific objectives of each session.
Virtual learning: Online teaching material; the follow-up and assessment is carried out in face-to-face format (in the lectures) or in virtual forums. This promotes student autonomy.
Autonomous work: Students will be encouraged to carry out personal work, such as the elaboration of assignments in the different subjects, contributing to the achievement of all types of proposed learning outcomes.
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Training activities Experimental models in biomedical research |
||||
|
Activity |
Hours |
Attendance |
Students |
|
|
1 |
Master Class |
24 |
100% |
20 |
|
2 |
Case Method |
24 |
100% |
3 - 5 group |
|
3 |
Practical classes/laboratory |
10 |
100% |
2 - 3 group |
|
4 |
Virtual learning |
2 |
20% |
- |
|
5 |
Freelance work |
90 |
0% |
- |
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
First sitting:
- Assessment tasks: 30%
- Laboratory practicums: 20%
- Final project: 50%
Second or subsequent sittings:
Students will be assessed by means of a practical and theoretical test that will account for 100% of the mark.
General information about the assessment system to bear in mind:
Attendance in the theoretical and practical lessons is compulsory.
- Details about the reports will be provided by the faculty member in charge.
- Quiz details: Students will take a quiz that tests the knowledge acquired in the core practical classes (multiple choice).
- Final project: Students will work in pairs. Each pair will be assigned an animal model with which they will have to propose a project. They must take into account bioethical aspects, experimental design, how the transgenic mice will be designed, impact of the study, etc. Students will have one week to prepare the reports and oral presentation.
- To pass the subject, students must have an average mark of 5 or higher.
|
Assessment Task |
Date |
Weight |
Lecturer |
|
Ethical issues |
|
10% |
Quim/Domingo |
|
C. elegans |
|
10% |
Amanda Muñoz |
|
Replacement |
|
10% |
Nuria Montserrat |
|
Assessment Lab Task |
Date |
Weight |
Lecturer |
|
Laboratory quiz |
|
20% |
Sebastián Zagmutt |
|
Final exam |
Date |
Weight |
Lecturer |
|
Final project (oral and written) |
|
50% (25% presentation; 25% report) |
Sebastián Zagmutt |