Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Techniques for Biomedical Analysis II
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Questions will be answered before or after class. To answer non-face-to-face questions, it will be done by videoconference.
Introduction
Techniques for biomedical analysis II is a subject that provides the theoretical and practical knowledge about the necessary instrumental techniques applied in the study of cells and tissues.
The fundamentals of instrumental techniques, their application in the biomedicine field and the analysis of the results will be studied.
Pre-course requirements
No prerequisite course is required; however, knowledge of the concepts of molecular and cellular biology is strongly recommended
Objectives
- To know the equipment for the observation of cells and tissues.
- To know the techniques and methods applied to the study of cell morphology and function (both prokaryotic and eukaryotic).
- To understand the fundamentals of cell counting techniques.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CB01 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study that is based on general secondary education, and it tends to be found at a level that, although it is based on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting-edge of their field of study.
- CB03 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) to issue judgements that include a reflection on significant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
- CB04 - That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- CE16 - To identify and know how to apply the instrumental and experimental techniques from disciplines in the field of Biomedical Sciences, as well as the technology related to the biomedical, healthcare and industrial fields.
- CG03 - To use and critically value biomedical techniques.
- CG07 - To incorporate basic concepts related to the field of biomedicine both at a theoretical and an experimental level.
- CT01 - To develop the organisational and planning skills that are suitable in each moment.
- CT02 - To develop the ability to resolve problems.
- CT03 - To develop analytical and summarising skills.
- CT04 - To interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
- CT05 - To use the internet as a means of communication and a source of information.
- CT06 - To know how to communicate, give presentations and write up scientific reports.
- CT07 - To be capable of working in a team.
- CT08 - To reason and evaluate situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
- CT09 - To have the ability to develop interpersonal skills.
- CT10 - To be capable of autonomous learning.
- CT11 - To apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
- CT12 - To apply scientific method.
- CT13 - To be aware of the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and ageing.
- CT14 - To respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values that are specific to a culture of peace and democratic values.
Learning outcomes of the subject
At the end of the course, the student:
- Knows the fundamental theoretical bases of the different experimentation techniques used in the field of biomedicine
- Applies the different technical and methodological sources used in biomedical research, emphasizing current and relevant techniques in the field of biomedical sciences.
- Selects and describes which technique is the most appropriate for the study of a certain cell or tissue.
- Knows and handles instrumentation for a specific measurement purpose.
- Interprets the results obtained by the main techniques applied in biomedical research.
- Puts forward the most appropriate methodologies to solve a problem focused on biomedical research.
Syllabus
Unit 1: Microscopy.
Optical microscopy (Simple; Magnifying glass and compound; dark field, bright field, phase-contrast and fluorescent) and electron microscopy (transmission and scanning).
Unit 2: Techniques and methods for the study of Eukaryotic cells.
Fundamentals and processing of tissue fixation. Microtomes and tissue cutting techniques. Stains: Immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence.
Unit 3: Techniques and methods for the study of prokaryotic cells.
Basic and biochemical techniques for bacterial identification, automated methods for bacterial identification.
Unit 4: Cell counting methods.
Basic techniques of cell counting, hematological counters, flow cytometry and their applications in the field of biomedicine
Unit 5: Visit to the UAB laboratory
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Lectures: 50-minute presentation of a theoretical topic by the instructor. Visual support is used in power point format to help to understand the explanations.
Clinical cases or case methods (MC): presentation of a real or imaginary situation. Students work in small groups on the questions posed by the instructor (or in interaction with the instructor) and the answers are discussed. The instructor interacts with the students and, if necessary, explains new concepts.
Virtual education (VE): online material available on Moodle that the student can consult from any computer, at any time which will contribute to the individual learning of concepts related to the subject.
Laboratory practices (PL): Practical sessions where experimental techniques related to the syllabus covered in lectures are developed. Familiarization with the most common experimental resources in a Biochemistry laboratory.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
1) Students in the first sitting:
- Participation in class and attitude: 10 %
- Resolution of case methods: 20%
- Laboratory: 20%
- Final exam: 50%
2) Students in the second sitting: same criteria as in the first sitting.
3) Students retaking the subject:
Participation in class/attitude, laboratory and case method grades will be kept in their profiles, although, whenever they wish, students will be able to repeat their class attendance and obtain a new grade.
General points to consider about the evaluation system:
1) In the final exam, a minimum grade of 5 must be obtained before calculating the average with the continuous assessment marks (laboratory, case, attitude and partial methods). The exams will consist of multiple-choice questions with 4 options and short-answer questions. They will cover the contents of the lectures, case methods and laboratory practices.
2) At the beginning of the laboratory practices, the students will take a test that relates to the contents that will be covered in the session. At the end of the practical activity, students must produce a report that reflects the laboratory work, including both the operations carried out during the session and the results obtained from it. Therefore, 20% of laboratory practices will be the average of the tests at the beginning of the session and the reports created in each laboratory.
3) The development of the case methods will be in a group format (these groups will remain constant throughout the course). At the end of the session, each group must prepare a report on the development of the activity that has been assigned and will be made available to all students. In the next class of the case method, the students will take a test (individual) that covers the contents of all the reports generated. Therefore, the 20% allocated to the resolution of the case methods will be the average of the test.
Attendance:
- Regular attendance at lectures and case methods is recommended.
- Attendance at lectures is not mandatory but students will have to follow the standards indicated by the instructors. The expulsion of a student from lectures or case methods will have a negative impact on the evaluations.
- Attendance at practical lessons and case methods is mandatory and students must attend in the assigned groups. The expulsion of a student from the laboratory will mean the automatic failure in the subject.
4) In the granting of the honors, special consideration will be given to participation and involvement in the different methodologies of the subject, as well as respect for the basic rules.
5) The improper use of electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets or laptops may result in class expulsion. Misuse is understood as the recording and dissemination of students or teachers during the different lessons as well as the use of these devices for recreational and non-educational purposes.
Bibliography and resources
- Bruno P. Kremer. (2012) Manual de microscopia. Editorial Omega.
- Alberts B, Bray D, Johnson A, Lewis J, Raff, M, Riberts K, Watson JD. (2004). biología molecular de la célula, 4a edición. Edición omega.
- Bancroft JD y Gamble M. (2002). Theory and practice of histological techniques, 5a edición. editorial churchill livingstone.
- Matsumoto B, ED. 2002. Cell biological application of confocal microscopy. 2a ed. New York academic press.
- Renau J y Megias l 1998. Técnicas de microscopía electrónica. Editorial universidad de granada.
- Robards AW y Wilson AJ 1993. Procedures in electron microscopy. Editorial wiley.
Evaluation period
- E1 21/05/2025 A08 18:00h
- E2 01/07/2025 A04 14:00h