ANALISI BIOCHIMICO CLINICO-MOLECOLARI

Dublin Descriptors

D1. Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge of the technical and scientific terminology of the discipline and of the principles underlying the main biochemical and molecular methods applied in Laboratory Medicine. Understanding of the biochemical and molecular basis of major biomarkers and their significance at different stages of the diagnostic pathway, with particular reference to acute and chronic diseases of major clinical relevance.

D2. Applying knowledge and understanding
Ability to apply the acquired knowledge to the analysis and interpretation of biochemical and molecular data, identifying the most appropriate methodologies in relation to the clinical question. Ability to search for and select relevant scientific information, including through the use of databases and biomedical literature.

D3. Making judgements
Ability to critically assess the reliability and significance of analytical results and biomarkers, taking into account the main factors that may affect their interpretation. Ability to formulate reasoned considerations on the relationship between biochemical and molecular alterations and pathological conditions.

D4. Communication skills
Ability to clearly and appropriately communicate and discuss biochemical, clinical and molecular data, concepts and results, using accurate technical and scientific terminology and interacting effectively with individuals with different professional backgrounds.

D5. Learning skills
Development of the ability to independently update knowledge through the consultation of scientific literature and other reliable sources. Acquisition of a structured approach to addressing biochemical, clinical and molecular problems by critically evaluating and integrating available information for diagnostic problem-solving and continuing professional development.

Interactive Lectures with use of ppt slides containing movie clips, links to Web sites and lecture,  and the discussion of clinical cases, with particular emphasis on the application of biochemical and molecular methods in Laboratory Medicine. Group activities will also be carried out to promote the search for and critical analysis of recent scientific publications concerning newly developed laboratory analytical methods. Students will work on a group project to be developed and presented as a PowerPoint presentation, fostering bibliographic research, critical appraisal and scientific communication skills.

Should teaching be carried out in hybrid mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabu

Knowledge of: cell biology and the processes of replication, transcription, and translation; the structure and function of biological macromolecules; biochemistry and pathology. Successful completion of the exams in Biology, Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry. For prerequisite courses, refer to the regulations for the enrollment cohort.

- Analysis laboratory: organization, diagnostic tests and laboratory tests.
- The biological sample: characteristics; collection, treatment and storage. Conventional biological matrices (blood, urine and faeces) and unconventional (reduced invasiveness: saliva, sweat, hair, nails).
- The analytical cycle: quality control, pre-analytical, analytical, post-analytical and reporting variability. Specificity and Diagnostic Sensitivity (ROC Curve). Predictive value. Cut-off, Reference Range and Decision Levels. Basics of statistics.
- Main analytical methods: theoretical principles, state of development, expected effects in clinical diagnostics and applications in research.
- Biomarkers: What they are and their role in clinical diagnostics. Exogenous and endogenous biochemical markers. Measurement of markers of function and injury of the main organs and tissues (Heart, Pancreas, Liver, Kidney, Muscle, Bone). Markers of pathological processes (acute and chronic inflammation), tumor, neurodegenerative, intestinal pathologies and relations with the Microbiota.
- Liquid biopsy: circulating cells, circulating nucleic acids, miRNAs and exosomes.
- Methods for monitoring: drugs, toxic agents, substances of abuse and doping in athletes.
- Vitamins and Minerals: dosage in research protocols and in the clinical setting. Mineralogram and validity of its use.
- Notes on Omics Techniques: lipidomics, exome (whole and clinical), exposome, proteome, microbiome, metabolomics, salivomics.Clinical Moelcular Biology

According to the RDA, Art. 12 - University Course Credits (CFU). The standard workload of 25 hours of total student effort, corresponding to one credit, may include:

a) 7 hours devoted to lectures or equivalent instructional activities, with the remainder devoted to independent study;

b) at least 12 and no more than 15 hours devoted to classroom exercises or equivalent supervised activities (laboratories), with the remainder devoted to study and personal review.

1) Marcello Ciaccio - Clinical and Laboratory Medicine Textbook-Publisher: Springer Cham, 2024 - Hardcover ISBN978-3-031-24957-0 

For details on programme topics contact the lecturer

Assessment methods

The final assessment will consist of two components: evaluation of the group project, based on the analysis of a recently developed laboratory method through the selection and critical review of relevant scientific publications, and an oral examination. During the oral examination, students will discuss selected clinical cases related to the topics covered in the course. Particular attention will be given to the student’s ability to identify the most appropriate biochemical and/or molecular parameters to be measured and to justify the choice of the corresponding analytical methods. Assessment will consider the knowledge acquired, the ability to apply it to practical problems, independent judgement, argumentation skills, and appropriate use of technical and scientific terminology.

Assessment criteria

Fail
Severely insufficient knowledge and significant gaps in the fundamental course contents. Inability to appropriately interpret the proposed clinical cases or to identify suitable analytical parameters and methods. Incomplete project or inadequate use of scientific literature.

18–20
Basic and partial knowledge of the topics. Limited ability to apply the acquired knowledge to clinical cases and to identify appropriate analytical parameters and methods. Sufficiently structured project, but with limited critical analysis of the scientific literature.

21–23
Adequate overall knowledge of the course contents. Fair ability to analyse clinical cases and identify relevant analytical parameters and methods. Coherent and adequately documented project, with a satisfactory ability to select and discuss scientific literature.

24–26
Good knowledge of the topics and good ability to apply the acquired knowledge to the interpretation of clinical cases. Appropriate identification of the parameters to be measured and the corresponding analytical methods. Well-organized project, supported by relevant scientific sources and appropriately discussed.

27–29
Thorough knowledge of the course contents and strong ability to apply the acquired knowledge to biochemical, clinical and molecular problems. Well-justified selection of analytical parameters and methods. Accurate and well-structured project, with effective critical analysis of the scientific literature and excellent argumentation skills.

30–30 cum laude
Excellent preparation, demonstrating full command of the course contents and outstanding ability to critically analyse and independently apply the acquired knowledge. Excellent ability to interpret clinical cases, identify and justify the most appropriate analytical strategies, and critically discuss newly developed methods. The project stands out for the quality of the literature research, depth of analysis, originality and clarity of presentation. The distinction cum laude is awarded to students who demonstrate particularly thorough preparation and outstanding critical and argumentation skills.

 Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs.

Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA, (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti) and referring teacher (prof.ssa Santina Chiechio email: santina.chiechio@unict.it) within of department.

EXAM DATES

The exam dates are posted on the degree program’s website: https://www.dsf.unict.it/it/corsi/lm-13_ctf/calendario-esami