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Biological Basis of Pathology

Code: 101883
Credits: 12
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
Biomedical Sciences OB 3

Contact lecturer

Name :
Albert Villoria Ferrer
Email :
albert.villoria@uab.cat

Teaching staff

Abel Ramón Mujal Martinez
Maria Assumpta Caixas Pedragos
Emilio Diaz Santos
Christian Domingo Ribas
Antonio Martinez Rubio
Enric Casado Burgos
Jorge Espinosa Garcia
Aina Gomila Grange
Juan Carlos Martinez Ocaña
Jaume Mesquida Febrer
Juan Calvet Fontova
Javier Calvet Calvo
Joan-Alfons Soler Campos
Mercedes Vergara Gomez
Ricard Comet Monte
Marta Gomez Nuñez
Mariona Hervas Pujol

Teaching staff (external to UAB)

Laia Vila
Alex Moreno
Marcos Perez
Aina areny

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

It is advisable that the student has achieved some basic skills in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics.

It is necessary to have achieved sufficient knowledge in:

General and specific anatomy of the different organs and systems.
General and specific physiology of different organs and systems

 

Objectives

The fundamental objective of the subject is to get in touch with the type of research that is carried out in a hospital environment. It is research that tries to answer questions aimed at understanding the general and basic aspects of diseases. Often these questions are formulated by clinicians, which allows the student to have the perspective of how clinicians, with whom he will most likely interact and collaborate in the future, see the disease. Other times they are formulated by more basic researchers from the Research Institutes of the university hospitals.

Learning outcomes

  1. Work as part of a group with members of other professions, understanding their viewpoint and establishing a constructive collaboration.
  2. Display understanding of the the basic mechanisms of cell and tissue responses to injury.
  3. Analyse the functional mechanisms of the organism's response to the principal causes of diseases.
  4. Display understanding of changes in the organism and in its responses to disease with age.
  5. Describe the etiopathogenia, the physiopathology and the basic characteristics of the principal syndromes and diseases of the blood and haematopoetic organs.
  6. Describe the etiopathogenia, the physiopathology and the basic characteristics of the principal syndromes and diseases of the cardiovascular system.
  7. Describe the etiopathogenia, the physiopathology and the basic characteristics of the principal syndromes and diseases of the respiratory system.
  8. Describe the etiopathogenia, the physiopathology and the basic characteristics of the principal syndromes and diseases of the excretory system.
  9. Describe the etiopathogenia, the physiopathology and the basic characteristics of the principal syndromes and diseases of the digestive system.
  10. Metabolic diseases. Describe the etiopathogenia, the physiopathology and the basic characteristics of the principal syndromes and diseases of metabolism and the nutritional state, including diabetes.
  11. Describe the etiopathogenia, the physiopathology and the basic characteristics of the principal syndromes and diseases of the endocrine system, including diabetes.
  12. Describe the etiopathogenia, the physiopathology and the basic characteristics of the principal syndromes and diseases of the male and female reproductive system.
  13. Describe the etiopathogenia, the physiopathology and the basic characteristics of the principal syndromes and diseases of the nervous system.
  14. Describe the etiopathogenia, the physiopathology and the basic characteristics of the principal syndromes and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
  15. Understand the molecular and cellular bases of cancer, the causes of its development and the bases for its treatment.
  16. Identify the principal pathologies that become more prevalent with ageing.
  17. Correctly use the terminology of medicine and its text and reference books
  18. Understand scientific texts on pathology of the different systems and write review papers on these.
  19. Students must have and understand knowledge of an area of study built on the basis of general secondary education, and while it relies on some advanced textbooks it also includes some aspects coming from the forefront of its field of study.
  20. Students must be capable of applying their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional way and they should have building arguments and problem resolution skills within their area of study.
  21. Students must be capable of collecting and interpreting relevant data (usually within their area of study) in order to make statements that reflect social, scientific or ethical relevant issues.
  22. Students must be capable of communicating information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialised and non-specialised audiences.
  23. Students must develop the necessary learning skills to undertake further training with a high degree of autonomy.
  24. Make changes to methods and processes in the area of knowledge in order to provide innovative responses to society's needs and demands.
  25. Take account of social, economic and environmental impacts when operating within one's own area of knowledge.
  26. Act with ethical responsibility and respect for fundamental rights and duties, diversity and democratic values.

Contents

THEORETICAL PROGRAM (TE)

The theoretical program is made up of a total of 36 topics that will address various topics related to the pathophysiology of diseases. Research aspects will also be touched upon. Therefore, many, but not all, fundamental topics will have a theoretical presentation and another more basic one. The classes will be taught by clinicians, clinical researchers and, occasionally, by basic researchers. In general, the classes will adapt to the basic concepts of pathophysiology, ignoring the symptoms and physical examination of the most frequent syndromes.

The specific description of the syllabus and the time distribution will be included in the information provided at the beginning of the course.


Topic 1. Introduction to the subject and pathophysiology.

Topic 2. Aging and end of life.

Topic 3. Pathophysiology of acute inflammation.

Topic 4. Tissue repair.

Topic 5 Mechanisms of injury and cell death.

Topic 6. Autoinflammatory diseases.

Topic 7. General pathophysiology of weight loss and obesity.

Topic 8. Pathophysiology of arteriosclerosis.

Topic 9. Pathophysiology of cancer I.

Topic 10. Pathophysiology of cancer II.

Topic 11. Pathophysiology of cancer and classification.

Topic 12. General pathophysiology of infectious syndrome I.

Topic 13. General pathophysiology of infectious syndrome II.

Topic 14. Introduction to major pulmonary syndromes I.

Topic 15. Introduction to major pulmonary syndromes II.

Topic 16. Pathophysiology of gas exchange.

Topic 17. Pathophysiology of shock.

Topic 18. Pathophysiology of heart failure.

Unit 19. Pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease.

Topic 20. Pathophysiology of Portal Hypertension.

Unit 21. Digestive Pathophysiology I.

Unit 22. Digestive Physiopathology II.

Unit 23. Pathophysiology of blood disorders I

Unit 24. Pathophysiology of blood disorders II

Unit 25. Pathophysiology of blood disorders III

Unit 26. Neurovascular and neuromuscular physiology.

Topic 27. Neurodegenerative diseases.

Subject 28. Neuroimmunology.

Topic 29. Pathophysiology of joint diseases.

Unit 30. Pathophysiology of the regulation of calcium, phosphorus and bone metabolism.

Topic 31. Pathophysiology of joint diseases II.

Topic 32. Energy regulation at intracellular and somatic level.

Topic 33. Thyroid Pathophysiology.

Topic 34. Adrenal Glands Pathophysiology.

Topic 35. Regulation of Acid-Base Balance.

Topic 36. Pathophysiology of Renal Failure. Chronic Renal Failure.



CLASSROOM PRACTICES (PAUL)

Includes 10 double sessions (20) (group A and group B) of 1.5 hours each in which the teacher will present a specific topic. Subsequently, after preparation, the students prepare a second session, also of 1.5 hours, where the previously presented topic will be discussed with the teacher and the class (through a clinical case or a theoretical presentation). This second part will also be done in 10 sessions. Groups of 3-4 students will be formed for each of the (double) topics of the program.


1. Blockage anemia.

2. Pathophysiology of water and electrolytes

3. Respiratory pathophysiology of the critically ill patient.

4. Interpretation of laboratory results: synovial fluid.

5. Intercellular signaling: Basics of the endocrine system.

6. Pathophysiology of heart rhythm. Arrhythmias.

7. Interpretation of laboratory results: ascitic fluid.

8. Interpretation of laboratory results: cerebrospinal fluid.

9. Interpretation of laboratory results: pleural fluid

10 Biological bases of aging.


The classroom practices will also have a special reinforcement, much more basic. There will be 6 sessions of 1.5 hours each, where I3PT researchers will present part of their work and/or real research projects. The sessions will be participatory. At the discretion of the teacher, they can be held in the classroom or in the laboratory itself.


. I3PT research laboratory.

. Critical reading of articles.

. Basic research in the digestive system.

. Applied research in the pathophysiology of the critically ill patient.

. Creation of a clinical research unit.

. Applied research in Endocrinological disease.

. Basic research in the critically ill patient.

Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Autostudy 224 8.96 1, 3, 4, 17, 18
Practical Activities: Classroom 40 1.6 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18
Master classes 36 1.44 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

Master classes (TE typology). The student attends the exposition of a theoretical content, which will complement by means of the personal study of the topics explained. The classes are conceived as an essentially expository method, of transmitting knowledge from the teacher to the student. 36 hours are scheduled.

The classroom practice activities will be divided into two types:

  • PAUL_Seminars. For classroom practice, the class group will be divided into two: Group A and Group B. Ten seminars are scheduled, each taking place over two sessions of 90 minutes each. In each seminar, a topic selected according to the established program will be addressed, through the exchange of information and subsequent debate. In the first session, the teacher will present a topic and provide elements and ideas so that students can develop a related topic, which they will present in the second session, where different items outlined in the course presentation will be evaluated.
  • PAUL_Research. The aim is to connect Biomedical Sciences students with basic biomedical researchers. This activity will consist of six sessions of 1.5 hours each, led by basic researchers from I3PT.

Autonomous work. Comprehensive reading of texts and articles, study and realization of schemes, summary and conceptual assimilation of the contents. Preparation of presentations. Summary ofthe clinical experience.

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
First Test 35% 0 0 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23
Second Test 35% 0 0 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Laboratory Practices /Presentations Clinical seminars and laboratory / Ward seminars 30% 0 0 1, 2, 3, 4, 17, 22, 24, 25, 26

Attendance at theory classes, practicals and seminars is mandatory. Any absence must be justified.

The evaluation of the subject has a double aspect:

a.- Theoretical.

- First part, with a value of 35% of the overall grade: 30 test-type questions with 5 possible answers and only one correct option. Penalty of 0.25 x wrong question. Duration 40'. The first part will include the theory topics and the content corresponding to the classroom practices carried out until the mid-semester break. This part of the subject is considered passed with a grade ≥ 5.0

- Second part, with a value of 35% of the overall grade: 30 test-type questions with 5 possible answers and only one correct option. Penalty of 0.25 x wrong question. Duration 40'. The second part will include the topics and content of the remaining classes and classroom practices. This part of the subject is considered passed with a grade ≥ 5.0

- Summary or recovery exam. It will consist of two parts: one that will cover the same as the first partial and the other that will cover the same as the second partial. Each student must do the part(s) not released and it will also be necessary to get at least a 5 in each one. There will also be multiple choice questions (30+30) and short questions (5+5), which will represent 20% of the exam grade. The duration will be 60+60'. The test-type exam will include questions that will have 5 possible answers and only one correct option. Wrong answers will subtract 0.25 points.

The theory grade of the subject, whether obtained from the average of the two partials, a combination of a partial and part of the final or exclusively from the two parts of the final, will be a joint and unique grade, not differentiated in 1st partial and 2nd partial, and will be obtained by averaging the two partials. If one of the two partials has not been passed, the average will not be taken and theoverall final grade for the theoretical part will be that of the gradefor the failed partial.

- Students who pass any of the partial exams may take the final exam to improve their grade, having previously renounced in writing the grade obtained in the partials.

b.- Practice, with a value of 30% of the overall grade.

In order to be able to issue this grade, attendance at practices and seminars must be certified. Any absence must be justified and, in any case, attendance cannot be less than 80% of the sessions. Otherwise, the practical part will be considered as suspended (0).

It will consist of the evaluation of clinical case seminars.

Final qualification

Weighted average of theoretical knowledge (70%) and practical assessment (30%). It will not be possible to take the average between the theoretical assessment and the practical assessment if a minimum score of 5/10 is not obtained in both tests. In case of not being able to do the average, the final qualification of the subject will correspond to the lowest quantitative value of those obtained in the theoretical and practical evaluations. Partial parts of the subject will not be saved for subsequent courses.

CALCULATION OF THE FINAL GRADE OF THE SUBJECT: Theoretical (35%+35%) + Practical (30%)


This subject foresees the single assessment system. Anyone who accepts this modality must, in any case, attend the SCC and PAUL on a mandatory basis. The final exam will be the same (and will therefore take place on the same day) as the synthesis or recovery for continuous assessment students and will represent 100% of the grade as long as a minimum of 80% has been attended of SCC and PAUL. Otherwise, the final grade will be 0.


Any irregularity in an assessment act (academic fraud, plagiarism or improper use of AI, unless this use is expressly authorized in the teaching guide), which may lead to a significant variation in the grade, means that this act will be graded with a 0. In the event that the teaching guide provides that in order to pass the subject it is an essential requirement to have obtained a minimum grade in this assessment act or that several irregularities occur in the assessment acts of the same subject, the final grade for this subject is 0. Apart from this, a disciplinary process may be initiated against the student who incurs any of these irregularities.

Bibliography

•Sheila Grossman: Porth: Fisiopatologia. Alteraciones de la salud. Conceptos básicos. 9ª Ed. Walters-Kluwer, Barcelona 2014

•Hammer i McPhee: Lange. Fisiopatologia de la Enfermedad. 7ª Ed. McGraw Hill, Madrid 2015

•Laso FJ. Introducción a la Medicina Clínica: Fisiopatología y Semiología. 4ª ed. Elsevier España SL, Barcelona 2020

Medicina Interna. Farreras-Rozman. 19ª ed. Elsevier, Barcelona 2020

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 21ª ed. McGraw-Hill. NY 2021

Software

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Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE

Type of teaching Group Language Semester Shift
(TE) Theory 53 Catalan first semester morning-mixed
(PAUL) Classroom practices 611 Catalan first semester morning-mixed
(PAUL) Classroom practices 612 Catalan first semester morning-mixed