Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Clinical Biochemistry
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
Teaching staff
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.
- 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.
- CG11 - To be aware of basic concepts from different fields connected to biomedical sciences.
- 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 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
The contents of the course are divided into two blocks, the study of biochemical quantities useful in the clinical evaluation of metabolism and the quantities used in the assessment of the function of organs and systems.
PART I - Biochemical evaluation of metabolic pathways
Topic 1: Proteins.
Topic 2: Enzymes.
Topic 3: Carbohydrates.
Topic 4: Lipoproteins.
Topic 5: Calcium.
Topic 6: Acid-base balance.
PART II - Biochemical evaluation of organs and systems.
Topic 7: Thyroid function.
Topic 8: Gonadal and gestational function.
Topic 9: Hepatic and biliary function.
Topic 10: Renal function.
Topic 11: Cardiac and muscular function.
Topic 12: Cancer biochemistry: Tumour markers.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The activity of the course is distributed as follows:
- Lectures: Presentation of theoretical topics by the faculty in two consecutive 50-minute modules.
- Clinical cases or case methods: Presentation of a real or imaginary situation. Students work on the questions posed in small groups or in active interaction with teachers, and the answers are discussed. In some cases, the groups make short presentations of the cases dealt with. Professors actively intervene and, if necessary, contribute with new knowledge.
- Laboratory practices: Experimental demonstration in the laboratory of the concepts worked on in the theoretical classes. Practice in data recording, analysis and interpretation of the results. Work in reduced groups.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
1) STUDENTS IN THE FIRST CALL:
• Continuous follow-up (40% of the final grade).
Follow-up by means of multiple-choice questionnaires that are carried out during the lectures. It is MANDATORY to complete the follow-up in order to be able to take the final exam, except for repeating students (detailed in point 3).
• Laboratory practices (10% of the final grade).
At the end of the practice, an answer sheet will be handed in with the aim of evaluating the concepts covered during the session. It can be handed in on the same day of the practice or via Moodle during the following week. This activity is MANDATORY in order to be able to take the final exam, except for repeaters (detailed in point 3).
• Case Methods (10% of the final grade)
The degree of participation, understanding and reflection of the assigned cases is evaluated. In the case of a presentation, the ability to convey the information in a concise, clear and structured manner is also assessed. This activity is MANDATORY in order to be able to take the final exam, except for repeaters (detailed in point 3 of this section).
• Final exam (40% of the final grade)
The exams will be multiple-choice questions, with 4 answer options. The questions corresponding to PART I will be multi-choice and those corresponding to PART II will have only one correct option. Correct answers will count for 1 point and errors will subtract 0.25. The content of the lectures and case methods can be assessed.
A minimum score of 5 in the final exam is required to be able to average the rest of the activities and to obtain the final grade in the subject.
2) STUDENTS AT THE SECOND CALL:
The same criteria will be applied as in the first call.
3) REPEATING STUDENTS:
The previous year's follow-up mark will be kept (which includes the continuous follow-up of the subject, laboratory practices and case methods). However, whenever they wish, students may repeat the continuous follow-up and obtain a new mark.
General points to bear in mind about the evaluation system:
• Up to 10% of the mark is reserved by the teacher to be awarded or subtracted based on subjective arguments such as involvement, participation, respect for ground rules, etc.
• Delays in the deliveries requested by professors will be penalised with 25% of the final mark.
• When awarding Honours, special consideration will be given to the candidates' participation and involvement in the different methodologies of the subject, as well as their respect for the basic rules.
General points on conduct and class attendance:
• Attendance at lectures is not compulsory but is recommended. Attendees will have to abide by the rules indicated by the lecturers. The expulsion of a student from the lecture class will have a negative effect on his/her continuous follow-up.
• The follow-up questionnaires of the course are compulsory. A mark of 0 will be given for any non-completed questionnaire, regardless of the reason (justified or unjustified).
• Attendance to the laboratory practices and case methods is compulsory and students must be present in the assigned groups. In case the student misbehaves or fails to attend either of the two activities without a justified cause he/her will fail the subject.
• 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.
• In the event of not attending the case methods for justified reasons, the student may submit in written form the resolution of a case formulated by the teaching staff.
• Justified causes include: an urgent visit to an emergency service (submitting a receipt with the day, time and place attended), serious illness (justifying hospital admission), death of a direct family member (first or second degree), court summons, or professional sports competition (as long as the student is a member of a federation). The following are not considered justified causes: non-urgent medical referrals, appointment statements, driving tests, or other family situations.
• Misuse of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets or laptops may lead to expulsion from class. Misuse is understood to be the recording and broadcasting of students or lecturers during lessons, as well as the use of these devices for recreational and non-educational purposes.
Bibliography and resources
Books
Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, 7th ed. C. Burtis, D. Bruns. Ed. Elsevier.
Bioquímica Clínica. F. González Sastre. Ed. Barcanova
Bioquímica Clínica y Patología Molecular. X. Fuentes, M.J. Castiñeiras y J.M. Queraltó. Ed. Reverté.
Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. J.B. Henry, W.B. Saun
Harrison Principios de Medicina Interna. A.S. Fauci, E. Braunwald, D. L. Kasper, S. L. Hauser, D. L. Longo, J. L. Jameson, and J, Loscalzo, Eds. Ed Mc Graw Hill.
Harrison´s Nephrology and Acid-Base Disorders. J.L. Jameson. J. Lolcala. Ed Mc Graw Hill.
Clinical Guide to Laboratory Test. Norbert W. Tiezt. Ed. Saunders Company.
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 Practitioner's Manual)
Evaluation period
- E1 26/05/2025 A08 18:00h
- E2 30/06/2025 A04 16:00h