GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY AND CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY APPLIED TO BIOTECHNOLOGY 5

Module CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY APPLIED TO BIOTECHNOLOGY

1 – Knowledge and Understanding

The student shall demonstrate knowledge of the principal biochemical and functional parameters used in the assessment of physiological and pathological processes and shall be able to interpret laboratory test results, evaluating their reliability and identifying possible pre-analytical, analytical, or post-analytical errors in order to ensure data quality and the accuracy of laboratory reports. Such knowledge shall be aimed at understanding and applying the main biotechnological applications employed in laboratory diagnostics.

2 – Applying Knowledge and Understanding

The student shall be able to apply and integrate theoretical knowledge for the characterization and evaluation of biological and biochemical parameters; recognize and assess indicators of metabolic and functional alterations associated with the major pathological conditions; and appropriately use information derived from laboratory analytical methodologies for the interpretation of results. The student shall also be able to critically evaluate the reliability of analytical data, recognizing potential sources of error and interference that may compromise their correct interpretation in the operational context of applied biotechnology.

3 – Making Judgements

The student shall demonstrate the ability to independently evaluate the results obtained from different laboratory investigations; analyse data in light of analytical profiles and relevant physiological and pathological conditions; and formulate evidence-based judgements by recognizing the principal indicators of biochemical and functional alterations. The student shall also be able to critically assess the reliability of laboratory results, identifying possible anomalies, interferences, or sources of error that may affect the quality of analytical data and the accuracy of laboratory reporting within the field of biotechnological applications.

4 – Communication Skills

The student shall be able to communicate clearly, accurately, and effectively, using technical and scientific language appropriate to the field of Clinical Biochemistry; present and discuss the results of laboratory analyses in different professional contexts, adapting communication according to the audience and the relevant operational setting; and correctly present and interpret biological and biochemical parameters as well as the main organ profiles, highlighting their significance in the context of diagnostic and biotechnological applications.

5 – Learning Skills

The student shall demonstrate the ability to independently acquire, elaborate, and further develop disciplinary knowledge; maintain continuous updating skills in relation to advances in technologies, analytical methodologies, and laboratory diagnostic systems; and develop competencies enabling the critical evaluation of biochemical tests, biological and functional parameters, and the quality of data generated by laboratory investigations, including the most recent biotechnological applications.

Lectures and laboratory practical sessions. In addition, students will be required to carry out activities following the laboratory sessions, either individually or in groups. Interactive teaching methods are envisaged through participation in working groups and active quizzes, using web-based platforms and open-source software. 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) referring teacher within the department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti). Should the course be delivered in blended or distance-learning mode, any necessary modifications may be introduced with respect to the arrangements described above in order to ensure compliance with the programme outlined in the syllabus.

Attendance is mandatory, as established by the Degree Programme regulations.

1.Use of laboratory data in clinical practice; methods for the acquisition of laboratory data and interpretation of biochemical data. Basic biochemical and molecular diagnostic methodologies.

2.Assessment of liver and biliary tract function (acute and chronic liver diseases, jaundice, viral hepatitis, and alcoholic hepatitis).

3.Complete blood count (CBC), morphological examination of blood cells, and haemoglobinopathies.

4.Laboratory assessment of disorders of haem synthesis and porphyrias.

5.Laboratory assessment of disorders of amino acid metabolism (phenylketonuria, hyperhomocysteinaemia).

6.Laboratory assessment of disorders of purine metabolism (hyperuricaemia, gout).

7.Tumour markers and regulation of metabolic pathways in cancer; cellular and molecular aspects of clinical biochemistry; molecular diagnostic tests.

8.Assessment of inflammatory status and malnutrition status; electrophoretic protein profile (serum protein electrophoresis).

9.Laboratory investigations of glucose metabolism: hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia.

10.Laboratory investigations in cardiovascular diseases (acute myocardial infarction, AMI), atherosclerosis, and dyslipidaemias.

11.Haemostasis and fibrinolysis: laboratory investigations; laboratory determination of the major blood group systems.

12.Laboratory assessment of electrolyte disorders and acid-base balance.

13.Indices of renal function and urinalysis.

14.Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in the major neurological diseases.

1) Biochimica Clinica e Medicina di Laboratorio. M. Ciaccio, G. Lippi. Edises.

2) Fondamenti di Medicina di laboratorio. I. Antonozzi, E. Gulletta, Piccin.

3) Medicina di Laboratorio. G. Federici. McGraw-Hill Education.

4) Le analisi personalizzate nella medicina di laboratorio. L. Spandrio, B. Milanesi, Piccin.

Assessment of learning may be carried out, at the instructor’s discretion, through an oral examination and/or a written examination, or a combination of both. The examination consists of at least 3–4 questions related to the topics included in the course syllabus. The examination is designed to assess understanding of the basic concepts and of the main theoretical and methodological approaches of Clinical Biochemistry, including the interpretation of results obtained from biochemical and molecular diagnostic investigations of biological samples for the characterization and evaluation of physiological and pathological conditions affecting organs and tissues. The examination aims to verify knowledge of the subjects covered during the course and to assess the competencies acquired. In the overall evaluation, the instructor will take into account both the appropriateness and completeness of the contents and the coherence and clarity of presentation. Assessment criteria: relevance of answers to the questions asked; appropriate use of scientific language; critical analysis skills; specific knowledge of the methodologies presented; and overall communication abilities.

Final Grading Criteria

Grade 29–30 cum laude: The student demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of the principal biochemical and molecular diagnostic investigations performed on biological samples for the characterization and evaluation of physiological and pathological conditions affecting organs and tissues; promptly and correctly integrates and critically analyses the situations presented, autonomously solving diagnostic problems of even high complexity; demonstrates excellent communication skills and full command of the medical-scientific language of the discipline.

Grade 26–28: The student demonstrates a good knowledge of the principal biochemical and molecular diagnostic investigations performed on biological samples for the characterization and evaluation of physiological and pathological conditions affecting organs and tissues; is able to integrate and critically analyse the situations presented in a coherent and logical manner; solves complex diagnostic problems with a satisfactory degree of autonomy and presents topics clearly using appropriate medical-scientific language.

Grade 22–25: The student demonstrates a satisfactory knowledge of the principal biochemical and molecular diagnostic investigations performed on biological samples for the evaluation of physiological and pathological conditions affecting organs and tissues, although mainly limited to the principal topics; is able to integrate and critically analyse the situations presented, though not always in a linear manner, and presents topics with reasonably clear exposition and adequate language skills.

Grade 18–21: The student demonstrates the minimum knowledge required concerning the principal biochemical and molecular diagnostic investigations performed on biological samples for the evaluation of physiological and pathological conditions affecting organs and tissues; shows limited ability to integrate and critically analyse the situations presented and presents topics with sufficient clarity, although scientific language skills remain underdeveloped.

Fail: The student does not possess the minimum knowledge required of the core contents of the course. The ability to use the specific scientific language of the discipline is extremely limited or absent, and the student is unable to apply the acquired knowledge independently.