OVERVIEW

Clinical biochemistry studies the clinical significance of laboratory tests. During the course of Biochemistry 2, we will start to address some of the topics in clinical biochemistry which will be further dealt with in more depth in the course of Medical Semiotics (3rd year). This is your first impact with laboratory medicine, which represents a key part of the diagnostic reasoning process.

AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the clinical biochemistry part of the course is to allow the student to acquire basic knowledge on the clinical-diagnostic significance of some of the laboratory tests of the so-called “clinical chemistry profile”.

In particular, the student will acquire knowledge regarding the "normal range" of the clinical chemistry values described during the course and how these values can be modified in the tissue and organ diseases exemplified in the lessons. Moreover, the student should be able to apply this knowledge to develop simple diagnostic reasoning, starting from the results of the clinical chemistry parameters described during the course.

TEACHING METHODS

Plenary lessons will provide information on the normal values of the basic parameters of the "clinical chemistry profile" and on the dynamic range of some of these values under conditions of tissue or organ disease. Simple clinical cases will be discussed to allow students to understand the role of laboratory medicine in the clinical reasoning underlying a diagnostic process.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The clinical biochemistry part of the course will focus on clinical aspects of the carbohydrate, lipid and nitrogen metabolisms; in particular, the following topics will be addressed: glycemia control, hemoglobin, lipidemia, bilirubin, blood nitrogen compounds, serum markers of cell necrosis (hepatic, myocardial), diagnostic tests for diabetes mellitus.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

on-line available slides and Biochemistry with clinical aspects, Devlin, Edises

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SANTINA BRUZZONE (President)

GIANLUCA DAMONTE (President)

MICHELA TONETTI

ELENA ZOCCHI (President and Coordinator of Integrated Course)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

March 6, 2017

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam will verify, by means of oral questions, the attainment of the teaching objectives. The final grade is expressed in degrees (up to 30, with the possibility of the "cum laude"), and the exam will be passed with at least 18/30 points.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The clinical biochemistry exam will explore whether the student knows the normal range of the basic clinical chemistry values described during the course and the variation of these values under conditions of organ or tissue damage discussed during the lessons. The student should also demonstrate the ability to use these clinical chemistry parameters in simple diagnostic processes.

Exam schedule