APPROACHES TO GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTHModule SCIENCE AND TECHNIQUES OF LABORATORY MEDICIN
Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: LUCA FALZONEExpected Learning Outcomes
Taking into account the Dublin descriptors, the expected learning outcomes are therefore:
1. Knowledge and understanding: Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired theoretical, scientific, and professional knowledge related to the methodologies for analyzing and identifying biomarkers associated with metabolic disorders and the metabolism of micronutrients and macronutrients. They will be familiar with the main molecular methods used in the diagnosis of food intolerances, metabolic disorders, and cancers related to nutritional factors and alcohol consumption, understanding their principles and applications.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Students will be able to apply their acquired knowledge to the interpretation of data derived from the analysis of nutritional and metabolic biomarkers. They will be able to use and evaluate the main molecular diagnostic methodologies in relation to various pathological conditions, correlating analytical results with metabolic and nutritional alterations.
3. Independent judgment: Students will have developed critical skills in evaluating scientific data related to nutritional and metabolic biomarkers, recognizing the reliability of results, methodological limitations, and potential sources of error. They will also be able to critically analyze and interpret relevant scientific literature.
4. Communication skills: Students will be able to clearly and appropriately communicate information and results related to biomarker analysis and diagnostic methodologies, using appropriate scientific terminology. They will be able to present and discuss data and interpretations with both specialists and non-specialists.
5. Learning skills: Students will have developed independent learning skills that will allow them to continuously update their knowledge in the field of nutritional and metabolic biomarkers. They will also be able to independently conduct searches in major scientific databases, selecting and critically applying the most relevant information.
Course Structure
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
1. Brief overview of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics
2. Main polymorphisms associated with metabolic disorders
3. Epigenetic regulation mechanisms mediated by micro- and macronutrients
4. Brief overview of techniques and methodologies used to perform genomic and epigenomic investigations
5. Role of the microbiota and interaction with micro- and macronutrients
6. Identification of biomarkers associated with specific nutrients or metabolic diseases
7. Nutrition and tumors
Textbook Information
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brief overview of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics | supplementary teaching materials |
| 2 | Main polymorphisms associated with metabolic disorders | supplementary teaching materials |
| 3 | Epigenetic regulation mechanisms mediated by micro- and macronutrients | supplementary teaching materials |
| 4 | Brief overview of techniques and methodologies used to perform genomic and epigenomic investigations | supplementary teaching materials |
| 5 | Role of the microbiota and interaction with micro- and macronutrients | supplementary teaching materials |
| 6 | Identification of biomarkers associated with specific nutrients or metabolic diseases | supplementary teaching materials |
| 7 | Nutrition and tumors | supplementary teaching materials |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
What is meant by epigenetics?
What is the best definition of microRNAs?
Why is obesity considered a risk factor for the development of breast cancer?
What is the static test that allows you to establish the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of a biomarker?