Doenças Crónicas e Envelhecimento
Objectives
This subject aims to provide an updated background on the genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms of a group of chronic diseases and aging processes, as well as some rare diseases. Particular attention will be given to the methods and tools used in fundamental research. It will be focused on how experimental models can be used as complement to patients samples. Likewise, this subject will also target the clinical impact of these diseases, including clinical research, clinical trials, research for new biomarkers, along other approaches. It will be taught the importance of translational research for further exploring new therapies and novel diagnostic and prognostic strategies. During seminars and lectures there will be a strong focus on the interaction between experimental and clinical researchers. In order to fulfil these objectives, the lectures will be given by scientists and medical doctors to transmit both approaches to the students: fundamental and clinical research.
General characterization
Code
121008
Credits
3
Responsible teacher
Professora Doutora Susana Santos Lopes
Hours
Weekly - Available soon
Total - Available soon
Teaching language
Portuguese
Prerequisites
Bibliography
Due to the enormous variety of diseases covered in the course, the main source of references will be the MedLine, PubMed and Google Scholar.
Teaching method
Two-thirds of the classes will be for lecturing the syllabus. All presentations will be available for students. There will also be an important component of presentation of research seminars delivered by renowned researchers in this field.
One-third of the classes will be student presentation of their work, namely presentation and discussion of scientific articles. The opportunity of undertaking practical work will be very important to better understand and visualize the methodologies of research in Human Health, Chronic Disease and Aging processes.
Evaluation method
The assessment will be made upon presentation of scientific papers (60%), and class participation and discussion (40%).
Subject matter
The curricul ar unit Chronic Diseases and Aging will be lectured during 7 weeks after working hours in a total of 3ECTS. The programme contents for this subject will be based on the following diseases: cancer; pre-diabetes, diabetes and metabolic diseases; ciliopathies; rare diseases; neurodegenerative diseases and cerebral ischemia; sensorial diseases and cardiovascular diseases. These diseases will be approached by different perspectives, namely (i) genetic, biochemical and cellular mechanisms (ii) the use of experimental models, such as in vitro cell lines, animal models biomathematic models (iii) clinical research and (iv) translational research for the potential development of new therapies and novel diagnostic and prognostic strategies. Finally, it will be exemplified the importance of the cross-talk between clinical and fundamental research for the advancement of Science and development of Medicine.