Access to Medicine Programme

Objectives

To understand the structural organisation of the human body, identifying the different levels of biological organisation, from the cell to the systems and apparatuses that make up the organism.

To learn about the morphology, location, anatomical relationships and macroscopic characteristics of the organs, tissues, apparatuses and systems of the human body.

To identify and describe the anatomy of the main body systems, relating their structure to the functions they perform under normal conditions.

To use anatomical terminology and the spatial orientation criteria employed in the health sciences correctly for the precise description of bodily structures and regions.

Assessment Criteria

Exams will be multiple-choice, comprising 30 questions. Each question will have 4 possible answers, only one of which is correct. INCORRECT ANSWERS ARE DEDUCTED. (3 incorrect answers deduct 1 correct answer or a proportional part thereof). There will be a fifth option labelled ‘blank answer’, which should be selected when the student does not know the answer; this option has no numerical value, i.e. it neither adds to nor deducts from the score.

There will be 2 tests:

- Each test will account for 80 per cent of the marks for the topics being assessed.

- 20 per cent corresponds to the submission of the Anatomy Workbook, submitted correctly, completed and uploaded by the set deadlines and in the ‘Assignments’ section for each topic (once the deadline has passed, this section will be closed and workbooks submitted after the deadline will not be accepted). The workbooks must be handwritten (not typed on a computer). Work sent to the ‘messages’ section, via ‘email’, etc., will NOT be taken into account. ONLY IN THE ‘ASSIGNMENTS’ SECTION AND BY THE SPECIFIED DATE. They will be marked individually; in other words, the mark will correspond to the number of tasks successfully submitted (if you do not wish to, you do not need to copy the question).

Students who achieve a mark of 5.0 or higher in one of the tests will have completed the topics corresponding to that section, for both the ordinary and supplementary examination sessions.

Students whose mark is between 4.0 and 4.9 will have the opportunity to make up for this in the other assessment; if the sum of both marks, divided by two, reaches 5.0, they will have passed the material covered in both assessments. If this average does not reach the aforementioned 5.0, they must sit the ordinary or supplementary examination, covering only the topics from the assessment in which their mark was below 5.

Students who achieve a mark below 4.0 in an exam will not be able to average this with the other assessment, as it is considered non-compensable.

Teaching Methodology

Students may attend tutorials with the Department’s lecturers who teach their group, at the times set by each lecturer, which will be published on the course’s virtual campus.

Calendar Contents

Topic 1. Introduction to human anatomy, morphology and histology

Fundamental concepts, methods of study and anatomical terminology.

Body planes, axes and regions.

Superficial anatomy and imaging-based anatomy.

Topic 2. Structural organisation of the human body

Levels of biological organisation.

Cellular and tissue structure.

Basic tissues of the human body.

Topic 3. Development and bodily organisation

General embryology and morphogenesis.

Growth, development and ageing.

Normal anatomical variability.

Topic 4. The Skeletal System

Organisation of bone tissue.

Structure, classification and development of bones.

Osteogenesis and bone remodelling.

Topic 5. Joints and biomechanics

Classification and structure of joints.

Body movements.

Fundamentals of biomechanics.

Topic 6. Muscular system

Organisation of muscle tissue.

Classification and function of muscles.

Structural and functional adaptation.

Topic 7. Head and neck

Osteology and musculature.

Sense organs.

Upper aerodigestive tract.

Basic clinical anatomy.

Topic 8. Central Nervous System

Brain and spinal cord.

Meninges and ventricular system.

Functional anatomical organisation.

Topic 9. Peripheral and Autonomic Nervous Systems

Cranial and spinal nerves.

Autonomic nervous system.

Sensory and motor integration.

Topic 10. Thorax

Thoracic wall and mediastinum.

Thoracic anatomical relationships.

Basic clinical anatomy.

Topic 11. Heart

External and internal morphology.

Chambers, valves and the conduction system.

Blood supply, innervation and embryonic development.

Topic 12. The vascular and lymphatic systems

Arteries, veins and blood circulation.

Large vessels.

Organisation of the lymphatic system.

Topic 13. Respiratory system

Upper and lower respiratory tracts.

Lungs and pleura.

Vascularisation, innervation and embryonic development.

Topic 14. Abdomen

Abdominal wall and peritoneum.

Digestive system and associated organs.

Vessels, nerves and the abdominal lymphatic system.

Topic 15. Pelvis and perineum

Bony pelvis and joints.

Pelvic viscera.

Pelvic floor and perineum.

Topic 16. Limbs

Anatomy of the upper and lower limbs.

Osteology, arthrology and myology.

Vascularisation, innervation and embryonic development.

Anatomical basis of gait and grasping.

Recommended reading

• Porter R. The Greatest Benefit to Mankind: A Medical History of Humanity. London: Harper Collins; 1997.

• Nuland SB. Doctors: The Biography of Medicine. New York: Vintage Books; 1989.

• Singer C. A Short History of Anatomy and Physiology. New York: Dover Publications; 1957.

• Ackerknecht EH. A Short History of Medicine. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press; 1982.

• Booth CC. A short history of clinical medicine. J R Coll Physicians Lond. 1997;31(6):719–724.

• North M. Andreas Vesalius and the Anatomy of Antiquity. Medical History. 2013;57(3):464–466.

• Tan SY, Tatsumura Y. Alexander Fleming (1881–1955): Discoverer of penicillin. Singapore Med J. 2015;56(7):366–367.

• Nobel Prize Outreach AB. Marie Curie – Biographical. The Nobel Prize. Available at: https://www.nobelprize.org

• Klug A. Rosalind Franklin and the discovery of the structure of DNA. Nature. 1968;219:808–810.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites.

Objectives

•Learning and practising the various language skills in Spanish: grammar, speaking and listening, writing and reading comprehension.

•Expanding vocabulary.

•Mastery of formal and informal registers.

•Understanding the cultural aspects necessary for effective communication in Spanish

•Writing simple texts

Assessment Criteria

-Continuous assessment:

Written and oral tests

-Regular assessment:

Final examinations (oral and written)

-Supplementary examination session:

Final examinations (oral and written)

Teaching methodology

Content is presented by topic, with outlines and exercises provided by the lecturer and expanded upon in class

Compulsory use of a textbook and workbook

Support from audiovisual materials

Oral presentations by students

Course Schedule

- Introducing oneself, asking for and giving personal information

- Saying hello and goodbye

- Describing people, things and places

-Expressing likes and preferences

-Expressing possession and relationships

-Expressing obligation

-Describing past experiences and recounting past events

-Express planned actions, whether completed or not

-Expressing symptoms of an illness

-Expressing agreement and disagreement

-Talking about the future and plans

-Making predictions

-Giving orders and instructions

-Suggesting dates and invitations

-Giving advice

-Asking for and giving an opinion

-Talking about general topics in a simple way

Prerequisites

International students whose mother tongue is not Spanish.

Entry requirements

International students whose mother tongue is not Spanish.

Assessment

CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT

The assessment process will consist of verifying and evaluating the student’s acquisition of the competences. To this end, the following assessment activities will be used to determine the extent to which each of the listed competences has been mastered:

First term

o Test 1: listening and reading comprehension (10%)

o Test 2: written examination (20%)

If students have failed any of these tests, they may sit each of the tests during the ordinary January examination session.

Second term:

o Assessment 3: written exam (10%)

o Test 4: oral exam (30%)

o Assessment 5: written exam (30%)

Students must achieve a minimum mark of 5 in both Assessment 4 and Assessment 5 to pass the module through continuous assessment. If they do not achieve this, they must sit the exams in the ordinary examination period and/or the supplementary examination period.

Furthermore, it is compulsory to sit ALL the assessments forming part of the continuous assessment.

Finally, to have the continuous assessment counted, students must have a minimum attendance rate of 80 per cent in each term.

REGULAR EXAM SESSION

o Oral exam: 40%

o Written exam: 60%

Students must sit both examinations and achieve a mark of at least 5 in both the oral and written examinations (which will also include reading comprehension, listening comprehension and written expression). If they fail to do so, they must sit the supplementary examination.

SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATION

o Oral exam: 40%

o Written exam: 60%

Students must sit both examinations and achieve a mark of at least 5 in both the oral and written examinations (which will also include reading comprehension, listening comprehension and written expression).

Objectives

To provide an introduction to the specific English used in the Health Sciences, enabling students to communicate and participate successfully in contexts and situations related to their future profession where English is the language of communication.

Skills acquired:

- The ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing, with patients and/or carers as well as with fellow professionals, adapting the register to suit the situation and purpose of the communication.

- The ability to create safe and comfortable environments for patients and/or carers through the use of language.

- The ability to search for, understand and process content related to the Health Sciences in order to produce further content, and to present this orally and/or in writing, using technology, both individually and in groups, and always in a responsible manner.

- Ability to explore, select and utilise technological tools for searching for, processing and sharing content, as well as for their responsible use and the management of content in a manner that respects authorship.

- Ability to participate responsibly in collaborative work.

Learning Outcomes

- Understanding and production of oral and written texts in English, with content related to the Health Sciences, written in professional language (e.g. descriptions of: professions in the field of the Health Sciences in terms of roles and responsibilities&#59; ‘diseases, their symptoms and signs’, ‘medical histories’, etc.).

- Effective verbal communication with patients and/or carers and colleagues through various channels (face-to-face, by telephone, by email, amongst others).

- Taking relevant and accurate notes on the spot, being able to identify vital information and record it using abbreviations.

- Drafting texts with appropriate use of format and language (e.g. referral letters, case histories, abstracts, etc.) necessary for carrying out medical, dental and veterinary work.

- Adapting register and pragmatic strategies to communicative situations involving patients and/or carers and/or professional colleagues, so as to optimise the effectiveness of gathering and conveying information relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of patients and their wellbeing.

Assessment Criteria

To assess students’ learning and their achievement of the proposed objectives, the following aspects will be taken into account for each of the three modules into which the course is divided, in the proportions indicated in brackets:

- Attitude (10 per cent): students’ punctuality, responsibility, participation, initiative, willingness to collaborate, etc., during each module will be assessed.

- Assigned tasks (30 per cent): individual and group tasks.

- Exam (60%). It is important to note that, in order to be eligible to sit the exam, students must have attended at least 80 per cent of the teaching hours for each module.

Teaching Methodology

Communicative and interactive, aimed at achieving the following learning outcomes:

- Comprehension and production of oral and written texts in English, covering content related to Health Sciences, written in professional language (e.g. descriptions of: professions in the field of Health Sciences in terms of roles and responsibilities&#59; ‘diseases, their symptoms and signs’, ‘medical records’, etc.).

- Effective verbal interaction with patients and/or carers and colleagues through various channels (face-to-face, by telephone, by email, amongst others).

- Taking relevant and accurate notes on the spot, knowing how to identify vital information and record it using abbreviations.

- Drafting texts with appropriate use of format and language (e.g. referral letters, case histories, abstracts, etc.) necessary for carrying out medical, dental and veterinary work.

- Adapting register and pragmatic strategies to communicative situations involving patients and/or carers and/or professional colleagues, so as to optimise the effectiveness of gathering and conveying information relevant to patients’ diagnosis, treatment and well-being.

Course Content

The module is divided into three thematic blocks:

Block 1: Terminology specific to the Health Sciences

Block 2: In the consultation

Block 3: Medical records and other scientific texts

Description of the content

Vocabulary

- Vocabulary relating to: professions within the field of Health Sciences; human and animal anatomy; diseases, symptoms and signs; treatments; etc.

- Vocabulary for describing patients in terms relevant to their diagnosis and treatment (age, gender, chronic conditions, etc.).

- Affixes of Latin and/or Classical Greek origin, used to form technical vocabulary in the field of Health Sciences.

- Irregular plural forms of technical terms specific to the Health Sciences.

- Units of measurement (e.g. time, volume, dose, etc.).

Grammatical

- Present Simple: used for descriptive and historical purposes.

- Present Perfect and Simple Past for narrating events.

- Interrogative structures: open and closed, direct and indirect.

- Question tags.

- Expressing intention (I’d like, I’m going to).

- Instructions and recommendations (imperative, ‘should’, etc.)

- Expressing time: start, duration, frequency, etc.

- Expressing quantity: amounts.

- Pragmatics

- Introductions.

- Small talk.

- Creating a safe and comfortable atmosphere.

- Checking that the information provided/received has been properly understood.

- Making polite requests.

- Asking for favours.

- Resolving communication difficulties.

Bibliography

Basic:

1. Milner, M.

English for Health Sciences.

Heinle. Cengage Learning. 2006.

ISBN: 9781413020892

Objectives

To understand the different forms of cellular organisation (prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisation).

To understand the structure and organisation of the prokaryotic cell.

To understand the structure and organisation of the eukaryotic cell, its organelles and the function of each one.

To understand the cell cycle, the processes of cell division and cell death.

To understand the structure of the genome within the cell and the organisation of DNA.

To understand the molecular basis of the processes of replication, transcription and translation.

To understand the transmission of hereditary traits, Mendelian genetics and the processes of genetic recombination.

Assessment Criteria

GENERAL ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR THE BIOLOGY MODULE

1. Exams: 75% of the mark.

2. Continuous assessment: 25% of the mark.

EXAM FORMAT

1. During the course, there will be two compulsory mid-term examinations.

2. The dates of these exams will be announced by the course coordinator via a notice on the virtual campus:3.

3. The exams will consist of a multiple-choice test comprising 30 questions, each with five options, only one of which is correct. There is no negative marking, but a minimum of 12 correct answers is required to achieve a mark of 5 out of 10.

4. A mark lower than 5 in either mid-term exam may be offset by the mark from the other mid-term exam and/or the seminar mark, provided that the mark for each exam is at least 3 out of 10.

5. If the final mark is below 5, the student must retake the failed mid-term exam(s) in the January examination session.

6. If the final mark is below 5 but the mid-term exams have been passed, the student must sit both mid-term exams in the January examination session to improve their marks.

7. During the examinations, the use of any reference materials, calculators or mobile phones will NOT be permitted.

CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT

This will consist of a presentation during the seminars (which is COMPULSORY) and/or literature review assignments submitted via the Virtual Campus, as well as the student’s attendance and participation.

REGULAR EXAMINATION PERIOD (JANUARY):

Students whose overall course mark is below 5 must sit this resit. There will be one exam for each part (mid-term) that has been failed. The final mark will take into account the marks from the Continuous Assessment, applying the corresponding weightings.

If the final mark is 5 or above, the student will have passed the module.

If a student fails (or does not sit) the January exam, they will have to sit the exam in the Extraordinary Examination Period in May.

EXTRAORDINARY EXAMINATION SESSION (MAY/JUNE):

Students whose mark, following the Ordinary Examination Period, is below 5 must sit this examination period. There will be one exam for each part (partial) in which they have failed. The final mark will be calculated by applying the relevant weightings and taking into account the mark for Continuous Assessment.

If the final mark is 5 or above, the student will have passed the module.

Teaching Methodology

Lectures

Small-group seminars

Presentation assignments

Literature review assignments

Course Content

Topic 1. Chemical composition of the cell. Cellular organisation.

Topic 2. Main macromolecules.

Topic 3. Biological membranes.

Topic 4. Membrane transport.

Topic 5. Extracellular matrix and cell junctions.

Topic 6. Cytoskeleton.

Topic 7. Endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and peroxisomes.

Topic 8. Mitochondria and chloroplasts.

Topic 9. The nucleus. The cell cycle. Genes and inheritance.

Topic 10. Replication, transcription and translation. Ribosomes.

Prerequisites

None required

Requirements

Completion of the compulsory examinations.

Submission of any assignments deemed compulsory

Attendance at face-to-face classes

Assessment

CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT

This will consist of a presentation during seminars (which will be COMPULSORY) and/or literature review assignments submitted via the Virtual Campus, as well as student attendance and participation.

Bibliography

Core:

1. Alberts et al.

Introduction to Cell Biology

Panamericana. 2023.

ISBN: 978-607-8546-

2. Cooper et al.

The Cell

Marbán. 2021.

ISBN: 9788471019479

Supplementary:

3.- Feduchi Canosa E, Romero Magdalena C, Yáñez Conde E, García-Hoz Jiménez C.

Biochemistry. Essential Concepts.

3rd ed. Médica Panamericana. 2025.

ISBN: 9788491106807

Objectives

The course aims to introduce students to the basic concepts of statistics, with a focus on the health sciences, so that they can successfully complete their first year at university.

Assessment Criteria

Assessment of the module will be based on a range of practical exercises in which students will be required to demonstrate their ability to solve statistical problems by applying the theoretical concepts covered in class.

Teaching Methodology

Classes will consist of lectures in which the lecturer will present the theory, illustrating it with examples, and seminars in which students will solve problems set by the lecturer, with the lecturer’s assistance where necessary.

Course Schedule

Topic 1: Descriptive statistics (3 weeks)

Topic 2: Probability (3 weeks)

Topic 3: Probability distributions (3 weeks)

Topic 4: Linear regression (2 weeks)

Prerequisites

Basic calculus

Requirements

None

Assessment

REGULAR EXAM SESSION

The following assessment tests will be held during the course:

- Test 1 (20% of the final mark)

- Test 2 (20% of the final mark)

- Submission of assignments and class exercises (20% of the final mark)

- Final course examination (40% of the final mark)

SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATION

100 per cent of the mark will be based on the final course examination.

Objectives

1. To understand the general organisation of the immune system, its organs and main components.

2. To understand the mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity.

3. To understand the concept of immune memory and the basis of vaccines.

4. To identify relevant clinical examples where immunology plays a key role (allergies, autoimmunity, immunodeficiencies, transplants, cancer).

5. To foster students’ interest in and motivation towards immunology.

Assessment Criteria

To pass the module in the standard assessment period, students must:

1. Have successfully passed the final examination.

2. Achieve an overall mark of 5 points or higher, bearing in mind that the following will be assessed:

a) The final exam will account for 70 per cent of the course mark. This exam will consist of multiple-choice questions. Points will be deducted for incorrect answers (-33.3 per cent) and a mark of at least 5 is required for the continuous assessment mark to be taken into account.

b) Continuous assessment will account for 30 per cent of the mark. This assessment includes the mid-term exam mark (15%) and the research project mark (15%). The mid-term exam is an exemption exam; therefore, students who pass it will not be required to be examined on that part of the syllabus in the final exam.

In order for this mark to be taken into account, attendance must be at least 70 per cent.

Students who do not pass in the ordinary examination session must sit an exam covering the entire syllabus in the supplementary examination session. In this session, the mark obtained in the corresponding exam will be the sole element of assessment. This exam will be a multiple-choice test, and marks will be deducted for incorrect answers (33.3 per cent). The exam mark will account for 100 per cent of the final mark, and a mark of 5 points or higher is required to pass.

Teaching Methodology

The module is divided into two parts:

- Sessions: Theoretical teaching of the course syllabus will be delivered using audiovisual aids. Simple clinical examples will be provided, and participatory activities will be carried out to aid understanding of the syllabus.

- Projects: students will be organised into working groups to carry out research on a topic related to the course, which they must present to the rest of the class at the end of the term.

Course Schedule

Block I. Fundamentals of Immunology

Topic 1. Introduction and basic concepts. Basic concepts in immunology. Functions of the immune system. Antigens and pathogens.

Topic 2. Cells and organs of the immune system. Cells responsible for innate and adaptive immunity. Primary and secondary lymphoid organs.

Block II. Innate Immunity

Topic 3. Innate defence mechanisms I. Characteristics of the innate immune response. Key components: phagocytes and complement. Characteristics and function of phagocytic cells.

Topic 4. Innate defence mechanisms II. Complement: pathways, functions and regulation. Inflammatory response. Concepts of opsonisation and chemotaxis.

Block III. Adaptive Immunity

Topic 5. Histocompatibility molecules. Types of histocompatibility antigens (type I and II). Structure and expression of MHC molecules. Antigen presentation. Relationship with transplants.

Topic 6. Antigen receptors and their clonal diversity. B-cell and T-cell receptors. Antibodies and mechanisms of diversity: rearrangement and differentiation mechanisms.

Topic 7. B-lymphocytes. B-lymphocyte activation, maturation and germinal centres.

Topic 8. Antibodies. Structure of antibodies. Isotypes, allotypes and idiotypes. Classes of immunoglobulins and their functions. Clinical applications.

Topic 9. T lymphocytes. Activation and differentiation of T lymphocytes. Costimulation. Cytotoxicity. Block IV. Regulation and memory

Topic 10. Cytokines and chemokines. Classification and functions. Role in immunity and pathology.

Topic 11. Tolerance and immune memory. The concept of tolerance. Central and peripheral tolerance. Immune memory and vaccines. Block V. Immunopathology and clinical applications

Topic 12. Immunopathology. Allergies, hypersensitivity types I–IV, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies. Topic 13. Clinical applications: transplants and immunotherapy. Rejection, cancer immunotherapy, current and future vaccines.

Bibliography

Core:

1. Abul K. Abbas, Andrew H. Lichtman, Shiv Pillai

Cellular and Molecular Immunology

Elsevier. 2022.

ISBN: 9788413822068

2. Isabel Olazabal Olarreaga, José Antonio Arias Navalón

Basic Immunology for Medicine

Elsevier. 2018.

ISBN: 9788491133315

3. Jenni Punt, Sharon A. Stranford, Patricia P. Jones and Judith A. Owen

KUBY. Immunology

McGraw Hill Interamericana. 2020.

ISBN: 9781456273798

4. Regueiro Gonzalez, Martínez Naves (et al).

IMMUNOLOGY: Biology and pathology of the immune system.

5th ed. Panamericana. 2021.

ISBN: 9788491104216

Objectives

1. To understand the structures of biomolecules and their transformations within the cell.

2. To acquire a basic understanding of molecular biology.

3. To understand the structure and properties of cell membranes.

4. To understand the structure and properties of enzymes.

5. To understand basic laboratory procedures used in biochemistry and molecular biology, including the use of scientific equipment.

6. To assess the biological risks associated with the use of substances and the relevant laboratory processes.

7. To understand the relationship between biomolecules, drugs and medicines, as well as other products and raw materials of health-related interest for human or veterinary use

Assessment Criteria

ASSESSMENT THROUGHOUT THE COURSE.

Throughout the course, students will sit a total of two examinations. The theory mark will correspond to the average of these examinations.

The student’s mark will be calculated taking into account:

80% Average mark from the exams

20% Assessment of activities during the course, practical work and attendance.

If a student achieves a mark of five or above, they will have passed the module and will not need to sit any further examinations; the resulting mark will be their final mark.

REGULAR EXAM SESSION

If a student has not passed the module during the academic year, they will be eligible for a standard resit, during which they will be examined on the part or parts of the module in which they failed.

The final mark will consist of 100% of the exam mark (averaged with any parts previously passed) from the ordinary examination session.

EXTRAORDINARY EXAMINATION SESSION

If a student has not passed the module in the ordinary resit, they will be entitled to an extraordinary resit, in which they will be examined on the part or parts of the module in which they failed.

The final mark will consist entirely of the exam mark (which will be averaged with any parts previously passed) from the supplementary examination session.

Teaching Methodology

Learning activities:

Lectures.

Seminars.

Consultations.

Course Content

BIOCHEMISTRY PROGRAMME

I. – INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY

1. The concept of biochemistry. Historical development and current overview.

2. Molecular composition of living organisms. Organisation of living matter. Cell organelles. Biomolecules. Water. Molecular interactions

II. CARBOHYDRATES

3. Carbohydrates: concept and classification. Monosaccharides: structure and physical and chemical properties. Monosaccharide derivatives. Disaccharides of biological interest.

4. Polysaccharides: homopolysaccharides and heteropolysaccharides. Proteoglycans.

III. LIPIDS

5. Lipids: concept and classification. Fatty acids: structure and properties.

6. Structure and properties of acylglycerides, phosphoacylglycerides, sphingolipids and waxes.

7. Prostaglandins and derivatives. Isoprene derivatives: terpenes, carotenes, vitamins A, E and K. Sterols and derivatives: cholesterol, bile acids, steroid hormones and vitamin D.

IV. – NUCLEIC ACIDS

8. Nitrogenous bases. Nucleosides and nucleotides: structure and function.

9. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA): structure and properties. Ribonucleic acid (RNA): types, structure and properties.

V. – PROTEINS

10. Amino acids: general structure, classification and properties.

11. Peptide bond: structure and properties. Peptides of biological interest.

12. Structural levels of proteins. Primary structure. Sequencing methods.

Secondary structure: helical and sheet-folded structures. Structural levels of proteins (III). Tertiary structure. Quaternary structure.

13. Properties, purification and classification of proteins.

Prerequisites

A Science A-level or at least a basic knowledge of Chemistry and Biology is required.

Requirements

No specific requirements are necessary.

Assessment

ASSESSMENT BY COURSE.

Throughout the course, students will sit a total of two exams. The theory mark will be the average of these exams.

The student’s mark will be calculated taking into account:

70% Average mark from the exams

30% Assessment of activities during the course, including practical work, assignments and attendance.

If a student achieves a mark of five or above, they will have passed the course and will not need to sit any further examinations; the resulting mark will be their final mark.

Objectives

The aim of this module is to familiarise students with the general concepts of Human Pathology, introducing them to the various systems and organs of the human body, how diseases develop, and the most relevant clinical presentations.

Assessment Criteria

ASSESSMENT SYSTEM:

1. THEORY EXAM: 60% of the final mark.

2. CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT: this will consist of a seminar assignment and student participation. It accounts for 40 per cent of the mark.

Exam criteria:

• EXAM

There will be a single multiple-choice exam comprising 30 questions

Each incorrect answer will result in a deduction of 0.15

A mark of 6 is required to pass the test

Students who fail the exam in the REGULAR sitting will have to sit the EXTRAORDINARY sitting.

• FINAL GRADE

The module will be passed if both the continuous assessment and the examinations are passed, with a mark of 6 required in both parts.

• EXTRA BONUS POINTS

These are awarded to students for their attendance at classes and their attitude, work and effort throughout the course.

For students who have passed the module and have earned these points, they will be taken into account to improve their mark.

They do not count towards changing a fail to a pass, but once the course has been passed, they will be taken into account.

Teaching Methodology

Face-to-face lectures

Activities outside class hours (homework).

Seminars

Forums

Independent study

In-person assessment

Calendar contents

SYLLABUS

TOPIC 1. INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN PATHOLOGY

TOPIC 2. INFLAMMATION, REPAIR AND CELL DEATH.

TOPIC 3. HAEMATOLOGICAL DISEASES.

TOPIC 4. PATHOLOGY OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM.

TOPIC 5. PATHOLOGY OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM.

TOPIC 6. PATHOLOGY OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM.

TOPIC 7. PATHOLOGY OF THE KIDNEY AND URINARY TRACT

TOPIC 8. DISEASES OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

1. Pérez Arellano, José Luis. Sisinio de Castro. Manual of General Pathology, 8th edition, 2020, Elsevier España, S.L.U.

2.- Anand, Atul, BSc (MedSci) Hons. The Essentials of Pathology, 3rd edition, 2011, Elsevier España, S.L.

Entry requirements

A Science A-level or at least a basic knowledge of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Cell Biology is required.

Knowledge of English is an advantage for reading a review article or accessing a website written in that language.

Basic computer skills are required to use word processors, databases, create PowerPoint presentations and access data on the Internet.

Assessment

Assignments submitted in class, seminars and participation in forums.

These will be marked on a scale of 0–10 based on the following criteria: appropriate presentation, vocabulary, originality, effort and adherence to the learning objectives.

Weighting in the final mark: 40%

Assignments due outside of class hours must be submitted via the virtual campus in the designated area. Each assignment must be submitted within one week. If it is not received within this timeframe, the assignment will be marked as failed, unless there is a valid reason for the delay.

In the event of a valid reason, the student will be informed of the new submission deadline.

Calendar Contents

TOPIC 1: Genetic terminology.

TOPIC 2: Mendel’s experiments

TOPIC 3: Modifications to Mendelian principles: Interactions, variations, penetrance and lethal genes

TOPIC 4: Linkage and recombination.

TOPIC 5: Chromosomal theory of inheritance.

TOPIC 6: Nature, structure and organisation of hereditary material.

TOPIC 7: Replication

TOPIC 8: Transcription.

TOPIC 9: Translation.

Assessment

Mid-term test

End-of-course exam

Problem-solving

Attendance with a respectful attitude and active participation