Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Clinical Biochemistry
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
Teaching staff
Questions will be answered in person, via e-mail or videoconference with the corresponding professor.
Dra. Maite Quiles - mtquiles@uic.es
Dr. Francisco Rodríguez Frías- frarodri@gmail.com
Introduction
Clinical Biochemistry provides the basis for understanding chemical and biochemical aspects of human physiology in health and disease, as well as their usefulness in the diagnosis, treatment control, monitoring, prevention and research of disease.
Pre-course requirements
Basic knowledge of the structure and function of molecules, metabolism, fundamental basis of human pathophysiology, statistics and biomedical analytical techniques.
Objectives
1) To become familiar with the main metabolic macromolecules and enzymes used in the clinical practice as biochemical testers of metabolism and organ and system functions.
2) To identify the variations of the different biochemical magnitudes involved in the main metabolic disorders and diseases of common organs and systems. To know their semiological value or clinical utility.
3) To understand the basis of biochemical methods as well as basic quality control procedures applied to the determination of different biochemical parameters.
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.
- CB02 - Students must know how to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional way and have the competences that tend to be demonstrated through the creation and defence of arguments and the resolution of problems within 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.
- CE13 - To be aware of the impact of microbiology, genetics and biochemistry on human health, as well as the diagnostic tools used in each of the different healthcare fields.
- CG02 - To be aware of the aspects that govern pathological state and its implications at a clinical and diagnostic level.
- CG03 - To use and critically value biomedical techniques.
- CG11 - To be aware of basic concepts from different fields connected to biomedical sciences.
- CN09 - Recognise the effects, mechanisms and manifestations of a disease on the structure and function of the human body at a molecular, cellular and tissue level.
- CN11 - Identify the impact of microbiology, genetics and biochemistry on human health, as well as the diagnostic tools used in each of the different healthcare fields.
- CN15 - Identify analytical and experimental methodologies used in the field of Biomedical Sciences, whether they be established or cutting-edge.
- CP02 - Apply scientific methodology to interpret practical or theoretical data by evaluating situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
- 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.
- HB04 - Interpret the mechanisms that govern a pathological state and its implications at a clinical and diagnostic level.
- HB11 - Use analytical and experimental techniques to obtain and record results.
Learning outcomes of the subject
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
- Interprets health and disease states after the assessment of biochemical magnitudes in blood and urine samples, taking into account their physiology and sources of variability.
- Identifies biochemical magnitudes useful for the diagnosis, prognosis, and control of progression and treatment of some of the main metabolic, organ and system diseases.
- Knows the main biochemical methods used in the determination of biochemical quantities with clinical utility.
- Applies some of the most frequent biochemical methods in the evaluation of markers, as well as basic aspects of biosafety, handling and elimination of chemical and biological waste, quality control procedures and annotated record of laboratory activities.
- Interpret the results of a basic interrogation of biochemical analysis test databases such as https://www.testing.com or similar.
Syllabus
Introduction to clinical biochemistry and its importance in medicine.
BLOCK I- Biochemical evaluation of metabolic pathways
Topic 1: Proteins.
Topic 2: Enzymes.
Topic 3: Carbohydrates. Diabetes.
Topic 4: Lipoproteins and cardiovascular disease.
Topic 5: Acid-base balance.
Topic 6: Bone metabolism.
BLOCK II- Biochemical evaluation of organs and systems.
Topic 7: Liver function and damage.
Topic 8: Renal function and damage
Topic 9: Cardiac and muscular damage.
Topic 10: Thyroid function.
Topic 11: Gonadal function.
Topic 12: Tumor markers
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The activity of the course is distributed as follows:
Lectures (CM): 50-minute presentation of a theoretical topic by the faculty, with visual support.
Clinical Cases or Case Methods (CM): Presentation of clinical cases with application of the knowledge acquired in the master classes or new topics. The groups will make short presentations of the cases dealt with. The students work on the questions formulated in small groups or in active interaction with the teaching staff and the answers are discussed. The teaching staff actively intervenes and if necessary contributes new knowledge.
Laboratory Practice (LP): Experimental demonstration in the laboratory of the concepts worked on in the theoretical classes. It includes practice in data recording, analysis and interpretation of the results. Work in small groups. NOTE: These classes could also include a visit to the facilities of a clinical analysis laboratory in Barcelona.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
1) STUDENTS IN FIRST CALL:
Partial exam: 20%
MANDATORY in order to take the final exam, except for repeating students (detailed in point 3). Multiple-choice questions, with 4 answer options of which only 1 is correct. Correct answers will count 1 point and mistakes will subtract 0,25. Some other type of questions (true/false, or short answer) could be included.
Laboratory practice: 10%
MANDATORY in order to take the final exam, except for repeating students (detailed in point 3). At the end of the practicals, an answer sheet will be handed in in order to evaluate the concepts covered during the session. The delivery can be in person on the same day of practice or via Moodle during the following week.
Case methods: 10%
MANDATORY in order to take the final exam, except for repeating students (detailed in point 3 of this section). The degree of participation, understanding and reflection of the assigned cases is evaluated. In the case of a presentation, the ability to transmit the information in a concise, clear and structured way is evaluated.
Final exam: 60 %
A minimum value of 5 in the final exam is necessary to be able to average the rest of the activities and obtain the final grade of the course. The content of the lectures, the case methods and the laboratory practices will be evaluated. The exams will be of type test, with 4 options of answer of which only one will be correct. Correct answers will count 1 point and mistakes will subtract 0.25. Some questions of another type (true/false, or short answer) could be included.
2) STUDENTS IN SECOND, THIRD AND FOURTH CALL:
The same criteria will be applied as in the first call.
3) REPEATING STUDENTS:
The grade of the continuous evaluation of the previous course will be kept (includes the partial exam, laboratory practices and case methods). However, those who wish to do so may repeat the follow-up of the course and obtain a new grade.
General points regarding the evaluation system:
- The faculty reserves up to 10% of the grade to round up or down the final grade for subjective arguments such as involvement, participation, and/or respect for the basic rules.
- The delay in the deliveries requested by the teacher will be penalized in the final grade of the activity.
- In the awarding of Honor Grades, special consideration will be given to the participation and involvement in the different methodologies of the course, as well as the respect for the basic rules.
- Involvement and participation means: answering teacher's questions in class, discussing from a constructive point of view, and asking reasonable questions.
General points about conduct and class attendance:
- Attendance at lectures is not mandatory, but regular attendance is recommended. Attendees must abide by the rules indicated by the professors. The expulsion of a student from the class will have a negative impact on the evaluation.
- The partial exam is compulsory. Failure to take the partial exam will result in a grade of 0 if there is no justified cause.
- Attendance to the laboratory practice class and case methods is mandatory and students must attend in the assigned groups. Failure to attend any of the two activities without a justified cause, or bad behavior, means the failure of the course.
- In case of not being able to attend the laboratory practices on the assigned day, the student may change groups with another classmate, previously informing the coordinator of the course, as long as there is a justified cause.
- In case of not attending the case methods class for justified causes, the student may present orally or in writing the resolution of a case formulated by the teacher.
- Justified cause is understood to mean: urgent visit to an emergency service (present a flyer with the day, time and place attended), serious illness (justifying the absence),
- Justified cause is : urgent visit to an emergency service (present a flyer with the day, time and place attended), serious illness (justify hospital admission), death of a direct family member (first or second degree), court summons, or professional sports competition (provided that the student is federated and the Servei de Esports has all the documentation in order and approved). Non-urgent medical forms, extracts from previous appointments, driving tests or other family situations are not considered as justified causes.
- Improper use of electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets or laptops may result in expulsion from class. Misuse is understood as the recording and broadcasting 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
Books
González Hernández A. (2019). Principios de bioquímica clínica y patología molecular (3ª ed.). Elsevier España.
Walker S., Beckett G., Rae P. & Ashvy P. (2013). Clinical Biochemistry. Lecture Notes (9 th ed.). Wiley Blackwell.
Ahmed N. (2016). Clinical Biochemistry (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
Rifai, N. (2018). Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics-E-Book: Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics-E-Book (7th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.
Prieto Valtueña J.M. & Yuste Ara J.R. (2019) Balcells. La clínica y el laboratorio (23ª ed). Elsevier España.
Murphy M., Srivastava R. & Deans K. (2020). Bioquímica clínica. Texto y atlas en color. (6ª ed.). Elsevier España.
Nelson D.L., Cox M. & Hoskins A.A. (2021). Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. (8th ed.). Macmillan Learning.
Loscalzo J, Fauci A, Kasper D, Hauser S, Longo D, Jameson J. eds. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 21ª ed. McGraw-Hill Education; 2022. Disponible en: https://accessmedicina.mhmedical.com/book.aspx?bookID=3118
Useful links
https://www.testing.com/for-health-professionals (Laboratory Medicine Resources for the Health Care Professional)
https://labtestsonline.org.uk/ (Clinical Laboratory Tests Used in the Diagnosis, Monitoring and Treatment of Disease)
https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional (MSD Handbook for the Practitioner. Medical references covering a wide range of medical topics, including disorders, tests, diagnostics, and drugs).
Evaluation period
- E1 26/05/2025 A08 18:00h
- E2 30/06/2025 A04 16:00h