Clinical Biochemistry

Code:

MI074235

Acronym:

BIOQCL

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Health Sciences

Instance: 2013/2014 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	http://moodle.up.pt/course/view.php?id=3748
Responsible unit:	Biochemistry Laboratory
Course/CS Responsible:	MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MICF	194	Official Curriculum	4	-	5	52	135

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

The objective of the theoretical programme is to give students a theoretical elementary training in the area of clinical biochemistry, the chemical and biochemical methods applied to the study of different pathologies as well as the interpretation of analytical results in relation to diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The importance of correct collection of samples is emphasised for the attainment of reliable results as well as intra- and inter-laboratory quality control. The laboratory programme in direct conjunction with the theoretical programme, aims to give a preparation in the understanding and execution of a basic clinical biochemical laboratory study, as well as a correct interpretation of the analytical results.

Learning outcomes and competences

 Execution and understanding of a basic clinical biochemical laboratory study. Interpretation of analytical results in relation to diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

 

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Previous knowledge of basic biochemistry, immunology and physiology.

Program

Function of chemical pathology. Use of biochemical tests in the diagnosis, monitoring and screening of diseases. Samples used in clinical analysis. Interpretation of laboratory results. Administrative and analytical errors. Biochemical tests conducted outside the clinical laboratory:analytical and interpretative problems. Quality control. Reference values and biological and analytical variability. Glucose and diabetes. Lipids. Pathological alterations in the metabolism of lipoproteins and their treatment. Risk factors in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Hipertention. Proteins and enzymes in clinical pathology. Non-protein nitrogen compounds. Renal function, diseases and renal function tests.Liver function, hepatic diseases and function tests. Endocrinology of thyroid and hormonal determinations. Bone metabolism. Tumor markers. Pregnancy and evaluation of foetal well-being tests.

Mandatory literature

Gaw Allan 070; Clinical biochemistry. ISBN: 0-443-07269-8
Burtis Carl A. ed.; Tietz textbook of clinical chemistry. ISBN: 0-7216-5610-2
Marshall, William J.; Clinical chemistry. ISBN: 0-7234-3159-0

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical Classes: 2 hours/week . Magisterial classes with data show;  Laboratory classes: 2 hours/week . During the 2-hour laboratory class the students work individually or in pairs and in the end present a report and discuss the results. Presentation and discussion of case studies and scientific searchs in data bases. Students receive support material and protocols at the beginning of the period. At the beginning of the semester, a student consultation timetable is defined (2 hours/week).

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	80,00
Participação presencial	0,00
Trabalho laboratorial	20,00
Total:	100,00

Eligibility for exams

Student attendance to laboratory classes is mandatory. Those students whose attendance is lower than 75% of the foreseen classes are considered as without attendance. Attendance to lectures is not mandatory.

Calculation formula of final grade

The classification is according to the rules in FFUP. a) Final written exam with a theoretical and theoretical-pratical parts. Marks above 9.5 are considered aproved. Alternatively to to the final written exam there are two tests in separate dates. the final mark is the total of these two tests. Marks above 9.5 are considered aproved. If the student fails or misses one of the tests need to do the final written exam in the re-examination period ("Recurso"). b) Laboratory exam is performed during the last week of the course and consists in the execution of one (or more) laboratory work(s) (3 points) and presentation and discussion of case studies (1 point). Marks inferior to 9.5 will compel to an laboratory exam in the date anounced in the exams calendar. Only after being aproved in the laboratory exam a student can be qualified to do the theoretical exam. Global classification of the discipline is provided by: 80% of the final written exam + 20% of the laboratory evaluation.

Examinations or Special Assignments

Students under a special regime, who are not obliged to attend laboratory classes have to perform the final laboratory exam. The approval in this component is mandatory to proceed with the final written evaluation exam.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

The evaluation is made in accordance with the current, existing norms in the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto.

Classification improvement

The student has the right to request the repeat of the final written exam to improve the mark, only one time, in the normal or in the resit exam period following the period in which the approval in the discipline was obtained. The higher mark obtained in both final written exams, will be considered for the evaluation of the final mark in the discipline. The final mark of the discipline will be provided by: 80% of the higher mark in the final written exam + 20% of the laboratory mark obtained in the distributed or in the final laboratory exam.

Observations

Previously knowledge in basic biochemistry is required including biomolecules and metabolism. Knowledge of Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology and Physiology. Basic knowledge of statistics. Teaching Language: Portuguese and, eventually, English.