Objectives

1. To receive basic training and to review and consolidate knowledge of current developments in the study of molecular and cell mechanisms in disease pathogeny and physiopathology; to receive an introduction to the hypotheses, methods and techniques currently applied in research, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and prevention of disease.
2. To acquire a solid, broad and homogeneous basis for the completion of Doctoral programs in the area of biomedical research, and to acquire the basic skills to conduct experimental laboratory work directly supervised by specialists in the field.
3. To prepare for professional practice in biomedical research, clinical analysis and those areas of the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries which do not require the qualification of doctor or of specialist in health sciences.

Reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of biomedical studies, this Master's degree progam has been designed to be interdepartmental, multicentre and interinstitutional. One of its most distinguishing features is that it offers students a broad range of optional and bridging course units, thus meeting the training needs of a variety of academic backgrounds.

Outcomes

By the end of the program, students will be expected to show competence in the following areas:

1. Biological foundations of diseases:

• The structure and functions of the human body and the mechanisms which maintain homeostasis at molecular, cellular and organic levels.
• The response of organisms to external and internal stimuli and the mechanisms of injury, response and repair.
• The types of general molecular and cellular processes involved in diseases.
• At molecular and cellular levels, an understanding of the pathogeny and physiopathology of some well-known diseases (genetic, oncological, infectious, toxicological, immunological, metabolic and endocrine, neurological, mental and cardiovascular diseases).

2. Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease:

• The indications, procedures and interpretation of the most common laboratory-based tests (biochemical, genetic, immunological, microbiological, cytological and histological).
• The general principles of the mechanisms of drug action, of the indications of the main drug groups and of the process of the design of new drugs.
• The foundations and applications of gene therapy, enzyme therapy and regenerative medicine.
• The foundations of preventive interventions and of health prevention strategies.

3. Methodology:

• The basic techniques applied in biochemistry and molecular biology laboratories.
• Advanced proteomic and genomic techniques.
• Basic histopathological and microbiological techniques.
• Cell engineering cultures and techniques.
• The fundamental techniques used in electrophysiology and cell physiology.

Students will also demonstrate their competence in:

• Animal experimentation and the design of experimental models.
• Bioinformatics methodology.
• Statistical analysis.