Guide in PDF format

Experimental Techniques in Biomedicine I

Code: 107963
Credits: 3

2026/2027

Degree programme	Type	Course
Biomedical Sciences	OB	2

Contact lecturer

Name :: Natalia Sánchez Groot
Email :: natalia.sanchez@uab.cat

Group languages

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

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Objectives

This course is part of the Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Sciences and belongs to Module 13: Methods in Biomedicine. It is a compulsory second-year, first-semester course worth 3 ECTS credits, taught to a single class of approximately 60 students.

The course combines theoretical content with classroom practical sessions and forms part of a module primarily focused on practical and applied subjects. The aim of the Methods in Biomedicine module is to strengthen the experimental and interdisciplinary nature of Biochemistry by providing students with both the theoretical foundations of the main experimental techniques and their practical applications. Within this framework, Experimental Techniques in Biomedicine I establishes its learning objectives.

An additional feature of the course is its close integration with Experimental Techniques in Biomedicine II, which is taught during the second semester. Together, these complementary courses provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental chemical, biological and physical techniques that are essential for biomedical research.

The overall objective of the course is to provide students with a solid understanding of the main experimental techniques used in Biomedicine and their applications throughout their studies and future professional careers. Specifically, students are expected to:

Acquire and understand the theoretical principles underlying the main biomedical techniques.
Apply these techniques in biomedical research and practice.
Develop independent learning skills by acquiring, evaluating and critically interpreting scientific information.
Increase their interest in the technical and experimental aspects of biomedical research.

Learning outcomes

CM28 (Develop personal values and interpersonal skills for working in groups and multidisciplinary teams in bioinformatics.) Develop personal values and interpersonal skills for working in groups and multidisciplinary teams in bioinformatics.
CM29 (Interpret experimental results in a real-world laboratory or company to prepare and defend academic or professional work in the field of biomedicine.) Interpret experimental results in a real-world laboratory or company to prepare and defend academic or professional work in the field of biomedicine.
KM36 (Describe the main research techniques used in the biomedical sciences.) Describe the main research techniques used in the biomedical sciences.
KM37 (Describe the fundamentals of the analytical methodology used in the diagnosis of diseases.) Describe the fundamentals of the analytical methodology used in the diagnosis of diseases.

Block 1. Expression and purification of biomolecules

General principles of heterologous biomolecule expression.
Cloning strategies for protein expression: expression vectors, promoters and induction systems.
Use of affinity tags for protein purification and detection.
Criteria for selecting an expression system according to the biomedical application.
Limitations, yield and quality of the biomolecules obtained.

Block 2. Analysis of proteins and nucleic acids by electrophoresis and hybridization

Principles of electrophoretic techniques applied to biomolecules.
SDS-PAGE and two-dimensional (2D) electrophoresis: principles, resolution and data interpretation.
Western blotting: specificity, sensitivity and experimental controls.
Southern and Northern blotting: hybridization principles, applications and limitations.
Critical analysis of experimental patterns and sources of error.

Block 3. Molecular interactions

Experimental approaches for the study of biomolecular interactions.
Pull-down assays for the analysis of protein–protein and protein–nucleic acid interactions.
Experimental controls, specificity and interpretation of results.
Limitations of affinity-based interaction assays.

Block 4. Amplification and quantification of nucleic acids

Principles of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
PCR variants: qPCR and RT-qPCR.
Assay design, specificity, sensitivity and quantification.
Experimental controls, sources of error and interpretation of results in a biomedical context.
Applications in biomedical research and molecular diagnostics.

Block 5. Genomic analysis platforms

Hybridization-based platforms: SNP and CGH microarrays.
Principles, applications and limitations of array technologies.
Comparison of hybridization-based and sequencing-based approaches.
Criteria for selecting the appropriate platform according to the biomedical question.

Block 6. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

General principles of next-generation sequencing.
Sequencing strategies: targeted sequencing, whole-exome sequencing and whole-genome sequencing.
Coverage, sequencing depth, biases and data quality.
Types of genetic variants and their conceptual interpretation.
Applications in biomedical research and molecular diagnostics.

Block 7. Mass spectrometry in biomedicine

General principles of mass spectrometry.
Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
Identification and quantification of biomolecules.
Concepts of sensitivity, specificity and limits of detection.
Biomedical applications in research and clinical settings.

Block 8. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)

Fundamentals of nuclear magnetic resonance.
NMR for the detection and characterization of biomolecules.
Introduction to NMR as an imaging technique.
Structural and functional information provided by NMR.
Scope and limitations of the technique.

Block 9. Genome editing: CRISPR-Cas9

Molecular basis of the CRISPR-Cas9 system.
Genome-editing strategies and types of genetic modifications.
Experimental controls, specificity and off-target effects.
Applications in biomedical research and therapeutic perspectives.
Ethical considerations and technical limitations.

Block 10. Integration of techniques and experimental design

Selection of experimental techniques according to the biomedical question.
Experimental design and validation strategies.
Types of controls and quality criteria.
Critical analysis and integrated interpretation of experimental data.
Methodological limitations and decision-making.

Learning activities and methodology

Title	Hours	ECTS	Learning outcomes
Study	23	0.92	CM28, CM29, KM36, KM37
Seminars	8	0.32	CM28, CM29, KM36, KM37
Theory classes	18	0.72	CM28, CM29, KM36, KM37

The course includes 18 hours of lectures and 8 hours of classroom practical sessions per student. Classroom practical sessions are organised into two groups, with a total of 16 scheduled PAUL teaching hours to cover both groups.

The teaching methodology combines lectures with classroom practical sessions. In some topics, problem-solving activities will be integrated with theoretical concepts to facilitate understanding.

Classroom practical sessions focus on the analysis and critical discussion of scientific articles, experimental data and methodological situations related to the techniques covered in the course.

Depending on the needs arising during the course, tutorials may be scheduled to discuss specific aspects of the subject.

Where appropriate, active learning methodologies, such as case-based learning and critical discussion of scientific articles, will be used to promote student participation and the integration of methodological knowledge. When selecting examples and teaching materials, efforts will be made to incorporate a gender perspective and to highlight diverse contributions to biomedical research.

Note: 15 minutes of one class will be reserved, within the schedule established by the centre or degree programme, for students to complete the surveys evaluating the teaching staff and the course.

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
Exam of theory 2nd partial	40%	9	0.36	CM28, CM29, KM36, KM37
Exam of theory 1st partial	40%	9	0.36	CM28, CM29, KM36, KM37
Assessment of classroom practical sessions	20%	8	0.32	CM28, CM29, KM36, KM37

This course is assessed exclusively through continuous assessment. A single-assessment option is not available.

Continuous assessment

Continuous assessment consists of two multiple-choice tests covering the theoretical contents of the course and the assessment of the classroom practical activities (PAUL).
The two multiple-choice tests account for 80% of the final course grade and are eligible for reassessment. A minimum mark of 4.5 must be obtained for these tests to be averaged with the remaining assessment components.
Classroom practical activities (PAUL) account for the remaining 20% of the final grade. No minimum mark is required, and this component is not eligible for reassessment.
Students who obtain a mark of 5.0 or higher in the multiple-choice tests may not retake them to improve their grade.
To be eligible for reassessment of the multiple-choice tests, students must previously have completed assessment activities representing at least two-thirds (67%) of the final course grade.
Students will receive a grade of "Not Assessable" if the assessment activities completed account for less than 67% of the final course grade.
To pass the course, students must obtain an overall final grade of 5.0/10 or higher.
Any irregularity during an assessment activity (including academic fraud, plagiarism or the improper use of artificial intelligence tools) that may significantly affect the assessment outcome will result in a mark of 0 for that activity. In addition, the University may initiate disciplinary proceedings in accordance with its academic regulations.

Bibliography

Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Andreas Hofmann and Samuel Clokie. Cambridge University Press, 8th Edition (2018)

Biophysical techniques in drug Discovery. Angeles Canales et al. Royal Society of Chemistry, 1st Edition (2017)

Principios de análisis instrumental. Douglas A. Skoog et al. Cengage Learning Editores S.A. de C.V., Sexta edición revisada (2008)

Técnicas de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular. David Freifelder. Editorial Reverté. (2010)

Fluorescence Microscopy: From principles to Biological Applications. Ulrich Kubitscheck. Wiley-Blackwell, 2nd Edition (2017)

Software

No specific software is required for this course.

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	52	Catalan	first semester	morning-mixed
(PAUL) Classroom practices	521	Catalan	first semester	morning-mixed
(PAUL) Classroom practices	522	Catalan	first semester	morning-mixed