2024
Molecular Mechanisms of Disease
Name: Molecular Mechanisms of Disease
Code: QUI13661M
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Biochemistry
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
At the end of this course the students should:
a) understand the biological and molecular processes characterizing aging;
b) identify, describe and relate transversal altered cellular processes in metabolic-based diseases, particularly, diabetes and dyslipidemia;
c) know the molecular basis and mechanisms of antigen recognition and leukocyte activation and identify the role of immune dysfunction in allergic diseases;
d) know the cellular, molecular and genetic mechanisms responsible for the oncogenic process, and the basis of current and developing therapies;
e) recognize, in each case, the molecular mechanisms of current and developing therapies;
f) recognize the importance of environmental factors in the referred pathologies and in aging;
g) have acquired critical insight and skills on the applicability of methodologies / technologies employed in the study of pathophysiology.
a) understand the biological and molecular processes characterizing aging;
b) identify, describe and relate transversal altered cellular processes in metabolic-based diseases, particularly, diabetes and dyslipidemia;
c) know the molecular basis and mechanisms of antigen recognition and leukocyte activation and identify the role of immune dysfunction in allergic diseases;
d) know the cellular, molecular and genetic mechanisms responsible for the oncogenic process, and the basis of current and developing therapies;
e) recognize, in each case, the molecular mechanisms of current and developing therapies;
f) recognize the importance of environmental factors in the referred pathologies and in aging;
g) have acquired critical insight and skills on the applicability of methodologies / technologies employed in the study of pathophysiology.
Contents
The program addresses the biological, biochemical and molecular genetics processes in chronic noncommunicable diseases and current models for their research, focusing on changes in signaling and regulation mechanisms at the cellular and molecular level, aiming at an integrated perspective of biochemistry in pathophysiology and its repercussions on the organism.
Contents to develop:
Aging and its relationship to non-communicable chronic diseases;
Biochemistry of metabolic diseases, particularly, the various forms of diabetes, dyslipidemias and their relationship to obesity;
Relevant biological and biochemical processes in inflammatory hypersensitivity diseases (Allergies);
Biology of cancer, cellular and molecular changes in oncological disease;
Risk factors and influence of the internal and external environment on the development of the referred non-communicable diseases;
Therapeutic approaches: challenges and opportunities.
Contents to develop:
Aging and its relationship to non-communicable chronic diseases;
Biochemistry of metabolic diseases, particularly, the various forms of diabetes, dyslipidemias and their relationship to obesity;
Relevant biological and biochemical processes in inflammatory hypersensitivity diseases (Allergies);
Biology of cancer, cellular and molecular changes in oncological disease;
Risk factors and influence of the internal and external environment on the development of the referred non-communicable diseases;
Therapeutic approaches: challenges and opportunities.
Teaching Methods
This course combines different teaching approaches: lectures (36h) and practicals (24h) that will be developed in an integrated way to consolidate knowledge. The lectures will allow a strong exposure to the state of the art on the contents proposed. The practical classes will consist of student research papers, research seminars, round table discussions and analysis with scientific articles.
Whenever possible, aspects of B-learning will be integrated to consolidate learning and skills through integrated exploitation of conventional and digital content.
The evaluation comprises the accomplishment of written exams (50%), carried out within the semester or as exam at the end of the semester, as described in RAUÉ; oral presentations of research papers or monography (30%) and discussion of scientific articles related to the subjects taught (20%) carried out during the semester.
Whenever possible, aspects of B-learning will be integrated to consolidate learning and skills through integrated exploitation of conventional and digital content.
The evaluation comprises the accomplishment of written exams (50%), carried out within the semester or as exam at the end of the semester, as described in RAUÉ; oral presentations of research papers or monography (30%) and discussion of scientific articles related to the subjects taught (20%) carried out during the semester.
Teaching Staff (2022/2023 )
