Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Business Organization and Experiences in Business
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
Teaching staff
Questions will be answered online, by videoconference, with the subject coordinator.
Introduction
This module reinforces the more practical content taught in other subjects of a more theoretical nature. The module proposes a journey through five heterogeneous institutions in which the student can appreciate different work dynamics, from a large pharmaceutical company to a start-up. In addition, the subject is reinforced with masterclasses in which each institution visited presents its dynamics, objectives and organisation to the classroom.
Pre-course requirements
The Entrepreneurship and Innovation module.
Objectives
• To understand the real dynamics of how a biomedical company operates (startup, pharmaceutical company, service company).
• To understand the real dynamics of hospital management.
• To understand the real dynamics of an investment fund.
• To understand the different types of existing biomedical companies.
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.
- CB05 - That students have developed the necessary learning skills to undertake subsequent studies with a high degree of autonomy.
- 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.).
- CG07 - To incorporate basic concepts related to the field of biomedicine both at a theoretical and an experimental level.
- CG10 - To design, write up and execute projects connected to the field of Biomedical Sciences.
- 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 module, the student will:
- Understand the fundamental elements of the structure of the national health system and of health legislation.
- Demonstrate adequate knowledge of the business concept, its institutional and legal framework, as well as its organisation and management.
- Demonstrate autonomy in the receiving centre and be able to use appropriate vocabulary, tests, reagents and other resources in the work environment.
- Develop a professional attitude appropriate to the work environment.
- Understand the different types of existing biomedical companies.
- Understand the similarities and difference between the management of a company and other types of entities, such as a hospital, an academic centre for biomedical research.
- Understand the departments that make up the structure of commercial entities, their dynamics and the skills required in each of them.
- Understand the positions that a graduate in biomedicine can hold.
Syllabus
1) Practical visit to a hospital.
2) Practical visit to an academic centre.
3) Practical visit to a pharmaceutical company.
4) Practical visit to a biomedical start-up.
5) Practical visit to a biomedical consulting, services or investment company.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Lectures: 2-hour presentation by the person in charge of each visit, explaining at a theoretical level how the company operates, its general objectives, history, etc. These classes will help students to understand the practical visits in greater depth. In the first of these masterclasses, the initial 30 minutes will provide an introduction to the subject and work.
Practical visits (PV): Students will visit the selected entities with a guide from the company itself. The guide will give students an explanation of the different departments that make up the company and their work dynamics.
Online education (OE): Online material that the student can consult from the computer, at any time, and that will contribute to independent learning for the concepts on the module.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
1) Assessment:
• Participation in class and behaviour: 60%
Students are required to attend at least three of the five visits.
• Individual work summarising each company: 40%
Participation in ES-Day: students who participate in all sessions of Entrepreneurship & Social Day (E&S-Day) will receive 0.5 extra points on the final grade.
Each student, individually, will carry out a project that summarises the aspects seen at each visit in each chapter, such as the structure of each organization, its objectives, its work dynamics, etc. It will be accompanied by a diagram that each student will make of each company. Each chapter will be worth a maximum of 2 points out of 10.
If a student does not attend a certain visit, their project may not contain the chapter with that company and, therefore, the work will not be awarded the highest grade.
2) Retakes: the mark for class participation will be maintained.
For retakes, the work presented can only be awarded a maximum grade of 6 out of 10.
General points to keep in mind about the evaluation system:
1) To receive a final grade, the project must obtain a minimum grade of 5.
2) Participation in class is understood as when students contribute interesting ideas or raise pertinent questions that help improve the quality of the session, whether during a lecture or when studying case methods.
3) If students do not arrive on time, they must enter in silence without disturbing or interrupting the class.
Bibliography and resources
- The Enterpreneur’s Guide to a Biotech Startup. Peter Kolchinsky. www.evelexa.com . Free download: https://www.ctsi.ucla.edu/researcher-resources/files/view/docs/EGBS4_Kolchinsky.pdf
Evaluation period
- E1 12/03/2025 A10 16:00h
- E2 27/06/2025 A08 18:00h