Biochemistry

General skills. At the end of the course, students will acquire the theoretical/practical principles of the most frequently used methodologies in Molecular Diagnostics and will be able to critically evaluate and interpret the experimental procedures and the result of the tests used for the diagnosis of some of the main pathologies. In particular, students will be able to fully describe the execution of a diagnostic test, starting from the phase of collection/preparation of biological materials (such as plasma, serum, urine or tissues or cellular preparations), to the detection of the main macromolecules (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates) or metabolites of clinical relevance, up to the interpretation of the results of the diagnostic study. Specific skills. a) knowledge and understanding - knowledge of the techniques of Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics used in Molecular Diagnostics, including their theoretical basis; - knowledge of the fundaments of Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics needed to interpret the results of molecular diagnostic; b) applying knowledge and understanding - ability to critically evaluate the adequacy and limits of the different methodologies of Molecular Diagnostics; - ability to choose the appropriate molecular methodology to address a specific diagnostic issue; c) making judgments - be able to critically evaluate the results of the diagnostic tests presented in the course; - be able to critically analyse the scientific literature in the field of Molecular Diagnostics; d) communication skills - be able to illustrate and describe the main analytical techniques with scientific rigor and property of language; - be able to explain and interpret the results of the main diagnostic tests, in relation with the pathological issues under examination; e) learning skills - knowledge of the correct terminology used in the field; - acquisition of the basic knowledge needed to work in a Molecular Diagnostic lab.