Biomedicine Molecular Basis
Code
101259
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências Médicas
Department
Molecular and Celular Medicine
Credits
6
Teacher in charge
Odete da Cruz e Silva
Teaching language
Portuguese/English
Objectives
The overall objective is to understand the multidisciplinary nature of molecular Biomedicine, integrating various areas of knowledge and relate them to medicine.
Upon completion of this advanced course the student should be able to:
understand the fundamental principles of the disciplines represented in molecular biomedicine;
describe the fundamental functions and molecular mechanisms at the level of the molecule, cell and organ, in relation to the human body and understand these concepts with respect to the development of disease;
describe the application of molecular medicine in treatment strategies and in clinical practice;
integrate the theory of molecular medicine with molecular biology procedures;
form the molecular basis to understand and enhance the significance of the other aspects addressed within the DPBM;
provide innovative insights and know the relevance of basic research for current problems in human health.
Prerequisites
Subject matter
The advanced course will focus on the molecular, cellular and physiological mechanisms of disease and will include diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Cellular and molecular processes in pathogenesis:
cell injury/cell death;
cellular adaptation;
Molecular and cellular basis of inflammation:
cell types, chemical mediators.
Bibliography
Molecular Biology of the Cell. B. Alberts et al., (2008), 5th Edition, Garland Science Publishing. ISBN: 978-0815341116
Essential Concepts in Molecular Pathology. William Coleman and Gregory Tsongalis (2010) ELSEVIER.
ISBN: 978-0-12-374418-0
Cellular and Molecular Pathobiology of Cardiovascular Disease. Monte Willis, Jonathon Homeister and James Stone (2014), Academic Press.
ISBN: 9780124052062
Fundamentals of Inflammation. Charles N. Serhan, Peter A. Ward, Derek W. Gilro (2010). Cambridge University Press.
ISBN: 978-0-521-88729-8
Protein Misfolding, Aggregation and Conformational Diseases: Part A: Protein Aggregation and
Conformational Diseases. Vladimir N. Uversky and Anthony Fink (2006). Springer.
ISBN: 978-0-387-25919-2
Teaching method
This is an advanced course and it is expected that the students will take responsibility for their own learning. Teaching components will resort to lectures, seminars, group-based discussions.
Discussions sessions will be organized in small groups to facilitate an in-depth examination of
individual topics. The discussion groups will involve faculty staff whenever possible thus stifying the number of teaching members involved. Recently published research articles, will also be brought into the discussion.
Experts on specific areas will be invited as speakers whenever possible.
Evaluation method
Evaluation will be in two different formats. The first will be an exam at the end of the advanced course, students will have to answer short questions. The second component will be tied in to the discussion groups. Students will be qualitatively evaluated for their active participation in the discussion and quantitatively evaluated based on reports, which they will have to hand in.
The assessment will be based upon the performance of the students in the presentation of a project/scientific paper and discussion with colleagues (40%), a final evaluation (40%) and the active participation in discussion during the lectures (20%).