B8445 - Molecular Biology in Diagnostic Procedures

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student: knows the main techniques of biochemistry and molecular biology and their application in the clinical environment; is able to apply the main techniques of biochemistry and molecular biology to the analysis of organic functionality.

Course contents

Liver function and damage:

- interpretation of liver enzyme abnormalities

- liver function test

Pancreatic damage

Muscular/cardiac damage

Hemostasis:

- group tests (coagulation times)

- specific tests

- approach to thrombotic and hemorragic disorders

Readings/Bibliography

1) Schalm's Veterinary Hematology (2022 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.)

2) Stockham and Scott. Fundamentals of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2025)

3) Scientific journal articles on selected topics

4) Lectures slides

Teaching methods

Lectures and practical activities in the laboratory

The course will be organized in frontal lessons and practices in groups, including laboratory activities. A game-based learning platform will be used as a tool to encourage student's involvement and interaction.

If possible, external experts will be invited to give seminars on relevant topics.

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ).

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance for this course requires the successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning, and Module 3 on health and safety training in study environments. Information about the schedule and access to Module 3 is available in the dedicated section of the Degree Program website.

Participation in practical and laboratory sessions requires wearing a lab coat and appropriate footwear.

Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided as needed

Assessment methods

The assessment for the Integrated Course unit “Clinical Pathology” consists of a written exam including questions covering all topics from the component courses of the IC, aimed at assessing the acquisition of expected knowledge.

Questions are multiple choice questions. Each correct answer grants 1 point, while blank or incorrect answers grant 0 points. A minimum score of 60% is needed to pass the exam.

No supplementary materials or electronic devices (e.g., calculators, tablets, smartwatches, computers) may be used during the exam, except for those explicitly allowed by the instructor.

The results of the written exam will be published within 5 working days on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en) by the designated course contact.

The final exam is considered passed only if all parts are successfully completed. A minimum final grade of 18/30 is required.

Negative results are not graded numerically but recorded as “withdrawn” or “failed” in the electronic transcript on AlmaEsami, and do not affect the student’s academic record.

Grades for individual parts and the final grade will be published on the AlmaEsami platform (https://almaesami.unibo.it/?lang=en ) within 5 working days of the date of the exam.

Students may reject the final grade (NB: according to University Regulations, at least once) by informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days.

The designated course contact for this course is Prof. Giancarlo Avallone

Students can register for exams through the AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available for students beyond the standard program duration.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Slideshow presentations

Videos

Interactive quiz system

Working groups on specific topics

Online applications

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (University's Student Services for SLDs and Disabilities [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students] ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Dondi