Objectives
This course aims to give the student an overview of genetic, molecular and cellular basis that are relevant to study disease mechanisms, especially degenerative and chronic ones, as well as some rare diseases.
Besides the study of genetic, biochemical and cellular mechanisms involved in several diseases, this course will also approach methodology and instruments used in current scientific research, such as experimental models (in vivo and animal models), as a complement for Human patient´s sample analysis.
The relevance of experimental research will be addressed as a goal to develop new therapeutic approaches. Students will be taught that interaction/communication between fundamental, translational and clinical research is the key for success. In order to achieve these goals, all the professors involved in this course are active researchers.
General characterization
Code
101260
Credits
6
Responsible teacher
António Jacinto
Hours
Weekly -
Available soon
Total -
Available soon
Teaching language
English
Prerequisites
Bibliography
· Molecular Biology of the Cell. B. Alberts et al., (2008), 5th Edition, Garland Science Publishing.
ISBN: 978-0815341116
· Essential Concepts in Molecular Pathology. William Coleman and Gregory Tsongalis (2010) ELSEVIER.
ISBN: 978-0-12-374418-0
Teaching method
The classes will be mainly in the form of seminars lead by experts researchers in this field. Students will also undertake practical work to better understand and observe the working methodologies and research in human health and Chronic and degenerative diseases. Students should present and discuss several scientific papers provided by the teacher. Students will also be challenged to write a short research project from a set of papers provided by the teacher and should propose scientific work to further develop the area.
The assessment will be based upon the performance of the students in the presentation of a scientific paper and discussion with colleagues (40%), the writing of the synopsis of a scientific project (40%) and the active participation in discussion during the lectures (20%).
Evaluation method
The evaluation will be based on the students' performance in presenting a scientific paper and discussing it with their colleagues (40%), writing the synopsis of a scientific project (40%) and actively participating in the discussion during the lessons (20%).
Subject matter
The program content will be based on the study of several pathologies that will be will be discussed in their various aspects and perspectives, including the genetic, biochemical and cellular mechanisms, the physiological basis of the diseases, the use of experimental models such as cellular culture, animal models, or mathematical models. The following groups of diseases and advanced therapies will be covered:
· Metabolic diseases;
· Vascular diseases;
· Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases;
· Neurodegenerative diseases;
· Cancer;
· Rare lysosomal diseases;
· Rare ciliopathies;
· Cell therapy;
· Gene therapy.
Programs
Programs where the course is taught: