Teaching Methodology

The teaching methodology will consist of theoretical classes (TE), specialized seminars, and laboratory practices (PLAB), all of which are directed activities. The main teaching materials for these activities will be provided through the UAB's Moodle platform.

• Theoretical classes (25 sessions of 1 hour) will be delivered in lecture format for each full enrollment group. During these sessions, the instructors will present the theoretical content and discuss the complementary materials available for the other activities, including self-learning resources.
• Specialized seminars (SATs) (9 sessions of 2 hours) will be held in small groups and will focus on the discussion of problems and practical/clinical cases. Students will have a guide with questions and cases in advance, which they must prepare before or during the session to discuss with their peers and the tutor, who will act as a moderator.
• Laboratory practices (2 sessions of 4.5–5 hours) will involve carrying out experimental protocols following a pre-established guide. After each session, students will be required to complete a set of questions related to the practice.

Additionally, students will have access to personal or group tutorials, which will be scheduled in coordination with the instructor responsible for the theoretical classes.

Note: 15 minutes of one class, within the calendar established by the department or degree program, will be reserved for students to complete the evaluation surveys on the performance of the teaching staff and the course

EVALUATION OF THIS COURSE CAN BE OF TWO TYPES: CONTINUOUS OR SINGLE ASSESSMENT.

Continuous assessment is the default evaluation method, unless the student expressly requests single assessment through the Academic Management Office of the Faculty, within the established deadlines (see the Faculty Website and Academic Regulations for more information).

1. CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT

The final grade for the course will be based on several assessable activities:

a) Midterm Exam 1 (P1). Covers content from topics 1 to 4, guided self-learning seminars (SAT) 1 to 6, and the first lab session (PLAB1). It will be an in-person exam, consisting of multiple-choice and/or essay-type questions. Weight: 50% of the final grad, if a score equal to or greater than 5.0 out of 10 is achieved.

b) Midterm Exam 2 (P2).Covers content from topic 5, SATs 7 to 9, and the second lab session (PLAB2). It will also be an in-person exam, with multiple-choice and/or essay-type questions. Weight: 40% of the final grade,if a score equal to or greater than 5.0 out of 10 is achieved.

c) Evaluation of laboratory practices (PLAB).Assessed through a questionnaire or other evidence of acquired competences, with a total weight of 10% of the final grade (5% for each practice). Each lab session will be graded based on the resolution of the questionnaire or associated activity at the end of the session.Attendance at lab sessions is not mandatory; however, students who do not attend will forfeit the grade for that specific practice.

Schedule and requirements to pass the course:

P1 and P2 exams will be held on the dates and in the rooms designated by the Faculty.

To pass the course through continuous assessment, students must meet both of the following requirements:

1. Obtain a grade of 5.0/10 or higherin both P1 and P2 (or their respective make-up exams).

Achieve a weighted average of all assessment activities of 5.0/10 or higher, calculated as:(P1 × 0.5) + (P2 × 0.4) + (PLAB1 × 0.05) + (PLAB2 × 0.05)

MAKE-UP EXAMS: To be eligible for the make-up exam, students must have been previously assessed in activities that represent at least two-thirds of the total course weight.

a) Partial Make-up:Students who score below 5.0 in either P1 or P2 may retake only the failed part in the final make-up exam. This will be an in-person exam, with multiple-choice and/or essay-type questions, graded out of 10.To pass the course after a make-up exam, the final weighted average must be at least 5.0. Otherwise, the maximum final grade will be 4.8.

b) Global Make-up:Students who fail both P1 and P2 must take a comprehensive make-up exam covering the entire course content. This exam will include material from both midterms, and the grade will account for 90% of the final mark, if the minimum grade achieved is at least 5.0. The remaining 10% will come from the lab practice grades (PLAB). The format will be the same: multiple-choice and/or essay-type questions.

The course will be considered passed with a minimum score of 5.0.The students who have completed less than 67% of the evaluable activities will receive a grade of “Not assessable.”

2. SINGLE ASSESSMENT: Students may opt for the single assessment system, in accordance with Faculty regulations. Single assessment is based on the same course content, competency acquisition, and academic standards as continuous assessment.

The single assessment exam consists of two parts:

a) Integrated evaluation of theoretical knowledge from topics 1 to 5, guided self-learning seminars (SAT) 1 to 9, and practical skills from the seminars and laboratory essions (PLAB1 and 2). Weight: 90%, if the minimum grade achieved is at least 5.0.The exam will take place on the same date and time scheduled for the second midterm of the continuous assessment.

b) Evaluation of laboratory practices (PLAB).Assessed through a questionnaire or other evidence of acquired competences, with a total weight of 10% of the final grade (5% for each practice). Each lab session will be graded based on the resolution of the questionnaire or associated activity at the end of the session.Attendance at lab sessions is not mandatory; however, students who do not attend will forfeit the grade for that specific practice.Specific evaluation of the understanding of laboratory concepts. Weight: 10%. Attendance at lab sessions is not mandatory; however, students who do not attend will forfeit the grade for that specific practice.

If not passed, students may take a make-up exam with the same single assessment format, which will be held on the date and time set by the Faculty for continuous assessment make-up exams

Make-up for Single Assessment (SA):Students who opted for single assessment and score below 5.0 in the single assessment exam may take a specific make-up test for this modality.This exam will account for 90% of the final grade, if the minimum grade achieved is 5.0.The remaining 10% will come from the lab practice grades (PLAB). The course will be considered passed with a minimum score of 5.0.

Students who do not attend the scheduled exams will receive a grade of “Not assessable.”

Academic Misconduct: Any irregularity committed during an assessment activity (including academic misconduct, plagiarism, or the improper use of artificial intelligence, unless such use is explicitly authorized in the course guide) that may lead to a significant alteration of the grade will result in that assessment being graded as 0 (zero).

If the course guide establishes that obtaining a minimum grade in that assessment is an essential requirement for passing the course, or if multiple irregularities occur in different assessment activities within the same course, the final grade for the course will be 0 (zero).Without prejudice to the above, disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against any student who engages in any of these irregularities.