Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Nanomedicine

Nanomedicine
3
14867
4
First semester
op
Main language of instruction: English

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish

Teaching staff


Normally Mondays to Fridays 9:00-17:00. Please schedule an appointment through email prior to consultation. wkparaiso@uic.es

Introduction

Nanomedicine is the application of nanoscience, nanoengineering, and nanotechnology to the biomedical sciences. It is an innovative discipline and the explosive growth in research activities is expanding its applications from cancer treatment to prevention of infectious diseases.

This course on nanomedicine introduces the fundamentals and applications of nanotechnology in the prevention, treatment, diagnosis, and mitigation of various pathologies. We will tackle the different types of nanomedicines and discuss their physicochemical properties, preparation methods, and biomedical applications. An emphasis will be given to nanomedicines that serve as drug delivery platforms or as independent pharmacologic agents.  

In addition, the course encourages the participants to grow as researchers by exposing them to the different methodologies in nanomedicine research through primary and secondary literature published by leading nanomedicine laboratories.

Pre-course requirements

There are no prerequisites for this course. However, students are expected to review previous lessons from courses such as Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Analysis, Anatomy, Physiology, and most especially, Pharmacology.

The language of instruction is English. In case of discrepancies between the English and Spanish/Catalan guides, the correct information is the one on the English guide.

Objectives

At the end of the course, the student should be able to:

  1. identify examples of nanomedicines in clinical and non-clinical use;
  2. enumerate the applications of nanomedicines in the current biomedical science landscape; 
  3. classify different nanomedicines types in terms of materials, structure, physicochemical properties, and biomedical applications;
  4. recognize the different experimental techniques used to characterize nanomedicines;
  5. outline the pathways and barriers that nanomedicines encounter in the physiological environment; and
  6. collect relevant information and data on nanomedicine from literature and organize them into a written document or oral presentation.

 

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.
  • CB05 - That students have developed the necessary learning skills to undertake subsequent studies with a high degree of autonomy.
  • CE05 - To apply the principles of organic chemistry and biochemistry to the study of the structure and function of biomolecules and their metabolism.
  • CE15 - To identify the frequency and distribution of diseases, their causes and determining factors, as well as the interventions that are necessary to maintain or restore good health.
  • 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.
  • CE19 - To be aware of the principles of biomedical science related to health and learn how to work in any field of Biomedical Sciences (biomedical companies, bioinformatics laboratories, research laboratories, clinical analysis companies, etc.).
  • CE20 - To resolve problems related to biomedical sciences, both at a theoretical and an experimental level, adding basic knowledge to clinical, pharmacological, pathological, technological and business knowledge in a cross-disciplinary way.
  • CE21 - To apply specific communication tools to professional environments in biomedical sciences in English.
  • CE22 - To be aware of the professional opportunities available in the field of Biomedical Sciences and acquire tools to undertake scientific communication that is correct for all types of audiences.
  • CG06 - To apply scientific methodology to Biomedical research.
  • CG07 - To incorporate basic concepts related to the field of biomedicine both at a theoretical and an experimental 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.
  • 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:

  1. apply the tools that allow from the correct choice and interpretation of the bibliography to an adequate integration and participation in the activities of a research group;
  2. know and use adequately the scientific, technical or specific vocabulary, as well as the specific bibliography of the group or company receiving the external practices;
  3. demonstrate autonomy and critical sense in the interpretation of information;
  4. understand the basics to plan, organize and control the workload assigned to them; and
  5. develop a professional attitude appropriate to the work environment.

Syllabus

  1. Orientation to the course (Session 1, 13th September, Friday 14:00-16:00)
  2. Introduction to nanomedicine (Session 1, 13th September, Friday 14:00-16:00) Bionanotechnology meets medicine (Chapter 9, Fruk and Kerbs)
  3. Nanomedicines as disperse systems (Session 2, 20th September, Friday 14:00-16:00)
    • Reading Assignment: Biomolecules and scales of biological systems (Chapter 3, Fruk and Kerbs)
  4. Lipid-based nanomedicines (Session 3, 11th October, Friday 16:00-18:00 and Session 4, 16th October, Wednesday 18:00-20:00)
  5. Problem-based learning activity 1
    • Group discussion (Session 5, 22nd October, Tuesday 14:00-16:00)
    • Presentation (Session 6, 6th November, Wednesday 16:00-18:00)
  6. Polymer-based nanomedicines (Session 7, 19th November, Tuesday 14:00-16:00 and Session 8, 22nd November, Friday 16:00-18:00)
  7. Inorganic nanomedicines (Session 9, 25th November, Monday 16:00-18:00)
  8. Characterization methods of nanomedicines (Session 10, 27th November, Wednesday 16:00-18:00)
    • Reading Assignment: Analytical methods in bionanotechnology (Chapter 5, Fruk and Kerbs)
  9. Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution (Session 11, 2nd December, Monday 16:00-18:00)
  10. Problem-based learning activity 2
    • Reading Assignment: Specific research article assigned to the group
    • Group discussion (Session 12, 4th December, Wednesday 16:00-18:00)
    • Presentation of 1st batch (Session 13, 10th December, Tuesday 16:00-18:00)
    • Presentation of 2nd batch (Session 14, 11th December, Wednesday 16:00-18:00) 
  11. Laboratory demonstration: dynamic light scattering (Session 15, 16th December, Monday 14:00-16:00)










Teaching and learning activities

In person



  • Lectures: Presentation of a theoretical topic by the professor. Visual aid in PowerPoint format is used to accompany the explanations.
  • Problem-based learning: Presentation of a real or imaginary situation. Students work on the questions formulated in small groups to research on specific nanomedicines. They will then present what they have learned to the class with PowerPoint as a visual aid.
  • Laboratory demonstration: Demonstration of a specific experimental technique by the professor. The class will then analyze and discuss the results together.

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



  1. Evaluation criteria for students in first call:
    • Problem-based learning activity 1: 25%
      • worksheet: 7%, peer evaluation: 9%, instructor evaluation: 9%
    • Problem-based learning activity 2: 35%
      • worksheet: 11%, peer evaluation: 12%, instructor evaluation: 12%
    • Short quizzes and assignments: 15%
      • quizzes are given in person and are unannounced
      • assignments may be given online (Moodle) or asked to be submitted in person
    • Final exam: 25%
    • TOTAL: 100%
  2. For students in second or later calls: the grade for all course components will be kept and the final exam will represent 25% of the grade. 
  3. General points to take into account about the evaluation system:
    • In order to be able to make average in the final exam, a minimum grade of 5 must be obtained.
    • In addition to the above mentioned, in order to pass the course, the average of all grades must be 5 or higher.
    • The continuous nature of this evaluation makes it impossible to evaluate the course if the student has not participated in 80% of the hours.
    • Short quizzes will be given unannounced. The topics include previous lessons or reading assignments.
    • The quizzes and exams will contain all types of questions including, but not limited to: true/false, multiple choice, matching, fill in blanks, identification, and essay.
  4. Class attendance:
    • Regular attendance in all classes is not compulsory, but recommended. Lecture slides are visual aids only and will not be sufficient learning material if you are absent from class.
    • Attendance to problem-based learning activities and presentations is mandatory in order to obtain the corresponding grade.
    • The improper use of electronic devices (such as the recording and broadcasting of both students and teachers during the different sessions, as well as the use of these devices for recreational and non-educational purposes) will lead to expulsion from class.
    • Disruption of class due to unnecessary noise and activities will lead to expulsion.
    • The expulsion of a student from all classes will have negative repercussions in the continuous evaluations.
  5. In the awarding of Honor Grades, 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.

Basic rules and responsibilities of a student:

  1. All students are expected to understand and comply with course requirements.
  2. All students are expected to be actively engaged in class. Students should avoid engaging in unrelated matters during the time allotted for class including reading non-class materials, working on an assignment for another class, or using mobile devices for calling, messaging, or using social media.
  3. All students are expected to read and understand announcements made through email, Moodle, and any other platforms, online or not.
  4. All students are expected to be respectful and considerate of all classroom participants. Unnecessary and boisterous conversations as well as unrelated activities should be avoided as they disrupt the classroom peace.
  5. All students are responsible for bringing the required materials to class.
  6. All students are responsible for printing necessary course materials, especially laboratory guides and other references which are necessary when doing the experiment.
  7. All students are responsible for completing their work by the pre-assigned deadline. Problems with technology, lack of access to a computer lab, and other related problems will not excuse late work.
  8. All students are responsible for seeking assistance from academic staff to clarify course content and assignments.
  9. All students are responsible for reading and understanding announcements made through email, Moodle, and any other platforms, online or not.
  10. All students are responsible for coming to class prepared, by reviewing the previous topic and being aware of the topic to be discussed for the day. For laboratory classes, this means reading and understanding the experiment prior to coming to class.
  11. All students are responsible for attending class regularly.
  12. All students are responsible for arriving to class on time and staying until the remainder of the class period. Avoid packing up to leave before the class is dismissed.
  13. All students are responsible for searching for academic references necessary for the lessons, using the library or other resources available to them.
  14. All students are responsible for keeping the learning environment neat, whether it is a laboratory or a lecture room. This includes following the proper waste disposal rules and returning any loaned materials to the correct storage space.
  15. All students are responsible for notifying the instructor of any disability that might impede completing course requirements, including exams and assignments.
  16. All students are responsible for adhering to email protocol. Organize your ideas carefully and observe good form. Be respectful in the language that you use and please avoid using slang, obscure abbreviations, and other inappropriate styles.
  17. All students are responsible for completing the course evaluation form in a timely and responsible manner.
  18. All students are responsible for using artificial intelligence (AI) tools ethically and not for academic dishonesty. 

 

Adapted from:

  • Eastern Illinois University, “Student Responsibilities in the Classroom”
  • Stony Brook University, “Students Welcome Center”
  • University of Iowa, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ “Student Rights and Responsibilities”
  • William S. Hays and Stephen A. King, “Class Decorum and Conduct” form

Bibliography and resources

Textbooks:

  • Contera, S. (2019), Nano comes to life : how nanotechnology is transforming medicine and the future of biology (Princeton University Press)
  • Fahr, A. (2018), Voigt's Pharmaceutical Technology (Wiley)
  • Felton, L. (2013), Remingtion: Essentials of Pharmaceutics (Pharmaceutical Press)
  • Fruk, L. and Kerbs, A. (2021), Bionanotechnology: Concepts and Applications (Cambridge University Press)
  • Taylor, K. M. G. and Aulton, M. E. eds. (2022), Aulton’s Pharmaceutics: The Design and Manufacture of Medicines, 6th ed. (Elsevier)


Journals (some examples):

  • ACS Nano
  • Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
  • Advanced Therapeutics
  • Angewandte Chemie
  • Biomaterials
  • Biomaterials Science
  • International Journal of Pharmaceutics
  • Journal of Controlled Release
  • Molecular Pharmaceutics
  • Nano Letters
  • Nanomedicine (London)
  • Nanoscale Advances
  • Nature Communications
  • Nature Nanotechnology
  • Nature Reviews Drug Discovery
  • Nature Reviews Materials
  • Science Advances
  • WIREs Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology


Notes:

  • For review of basic concepts: Textbooks on chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, pharmacology
  • For further reading: Copies of relevant journal articles will be provided.

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
  • E1 08/01/2025 A10 16:00h
  • R1 27/01/2025 11:00h
  • E2 19/06/2025 A09 14:00h

Teaching and learning material