Guide in PDF format

Molecular Bases and Disease Mechanisms

Code: 102658
Credits: 3

2026/2027

Degree programme	Type	Course
Veterinary Medicine	OP	5

Contact lecturer

Name :: Anna Maria Bassols Teixido
Email :: anna.bassols@uab.cat

Teaching staff

: Fàtima Bosch Tubert
: Marcel Jimenez Farrerons
: Fernando de Mora Pérez
: Carlos Alberto Saura Antolin
: Verónica Jimenez Cenzano

Group languages

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

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for taking this course. However, it is recommended to revise the contents of Biochemistry, Physiology and Pathology

Objectives

The general objective is that the student understands the molecular mechanisms of the disease, that is, which are the underlying biochemical and physiological processes, whose imbalance leads to the appearance of certain pathologies.

Currently, biomedical research is focused on the unraveling of the molecular mechanisms that cause the disease. It is from this molecular knowledge that new therapeutic strategies can be identified, to design new drugs against known molecular targets and to establish effective prevention mechanisms.

In this context, the veterinarian plays an important role and can not stand aside, as it has the clinical basis necessary to know the applicability of the research.

This subject intends to complement essential basic knowledge for the comprehensive understanding of pathological processes.

The subject focuses on diseases of great importance in human medicine due to their great impact, and which are the subject of very active basic research, both in our environment and in the international arena. The final objective is to bring the veterinarian closer to Human Medicine in order to enhance his/her role in Biomedical Research Centers, Pharmaceutical Industries, Animal Facilities, Tissue Banks, etc. and open new professional opportunities

Learning outcomes

Apply scientific method to professional practice, including medicine
Explain the molecular and physiological bases of the pathologies of greatest interest in experimental animals.

LECTURE TOPICS

1) Cancer

2) Hereditary diseases of the musculo-skeletal system

3) Metabolic diseases (Type I and II diabetes, obesity)

4) Hereditary storage diseases (mucopolysaccharidosis)

5) Cardiovascular diseases

6) Diseases of the central nervous system (Alzheimer's disease)

7) Digestive diseases

8) Respiratory diseases

SEMINARS

Students must prepare and perform an oral presentation of the molecular and physiological basis of a disease not included in the lectures. After the presentation, questions will be asked to the student for discussion.

PRACTICAL WORK

There is no practical laboratory work.

Learning activities and methodology

Title	Hours	ECTS	Learning outcomes
Preparation of self-learning presentation	14	0.56	1, 2
Study and bibliographic searches	33	1.32	1, 2
Theoretical lectures	21	0.84	1, 2
Seminars	4	0.16	1, 2
Sessions at the computer room	1	0.04	1, 2

The methodology used in this subject combines theoretical lectures where the teacher exposes the most relevant aspects of each topic, together with active self-learning by the student on topics of interest.The student is suposed to perform the following activities:• Lectures with ICT support explaining the basic concepts of the topic. Additional questions or problems may be presented to the students

· Sessions at the computer's room to deal with topics relted to physiology• Self-learning work, in groups, to prepare the presentation and discussion of a disease, in relation with its moleclar and physiological basis, which may be proposed by the teacher or the student. This work involves the search and selection of information using several sources of scientific information. Presentations are public,

they must include multimedia material and ICT support and are followed by a discussion of the topic with participation of teachers and students

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
Test 1	35	0.5	0.02	1, 2
Test 2	35	0.5	0.02	1, 2
Oral presentation	30	1	0.04	1, 2

The evaluation system is organized in three tests. The final qualification is obtained from the sum of the qualifications of these modules:Test 1. Theory- Assessment system: short questions. Duration: 1 hour- Weight in the global rating: 35%.Test 2. Interpretation of data- Evaluation system: resolution of cases, exercises, problems. Duration: 1 hour- Weight in the global rating: 35%.According to the regulations of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and in dealing with a subject of 3 ECTS, tests 1 and 2 will be done the same day.Test 3. Self learning work:- Assessment system: The oral and written presentation of the work will be assessed, as well as the competence when discussing the topic.- Weight in the global rating: 30%. Self-learning work is mandatory. Therefore, the student who does not give the oral presentation will be qualified as Not Presented or Failed, depending on their situation and regardless of the grade that they have obtained in the exam. To be able to pass the subject, the student needs to obtain a minimum overall grade of 5.0.

One student will be \"non-assessable\" if he/she has taken less than 15% of the assessment modules.

In this subject, the single assessment system is not foreseen.

For this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is allowed exclusively in support tasks, such as bibliographic or information research, proofreading or translations. The student must clearly identify which parts have been generated with this technology, specify the tools used and include a critical reflection on how these have influenced the process and the final result of the activity. The non-transparency of the use of AI in this assessable activity will be considered a lack of academic honesty and may lead to a partial or total penalty in the grade of the activity, or higher penalties in serious cases.

Bibliography

- The Biology of Cancer. Robert A. Weinberg. 3rd edition. WW Norton and Co. 2023

- The Biology of Cancer. Robert A. Weinberg. 2nd edition. Garland Science; 2014.

- The Molecular Biology of Cancer. Stella Pelengaris; Michael Khan. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN: 978-1-4051-1814-9, 978-1-282-13918-3, 978-1-4443-0908-9. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/uab/reader.action?docID=428083

- Principles of Neural Sciences (2012) Eric R. Kandel, James H. Schwartz, Thomas M. Jessell, Steven A. Siegelbaum, A. J. Hudspeth.

- Textbook of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Edition Editor(s): C. J. Hawkey, Jaime Bosch, Joel E. Richter, Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao, Francis K. L. Chan (2009) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/book/10.1002/9781118321386 (one-line catalog UAB)

- Textbook of Gastroenterology Editor(s): Tadataka Yamada (2012) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/book/10.1002/9781444303254 (one-line catalog UAB)

- Reasearch and review articles contributed by the professors

Software

No special software used

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	1	Catalan	first semester	morning-mixed
(SEM) Seminars	1	Catalan	first semester	morning-mixed