BIOL424 CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY

Course Code:2380424
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):4 (2.00 - 4.00)
ECTS Credit:9.0
Department:Biology
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Undergraduate
Course Coordinator:Res.Dr. MERVE AKKULAK
Offered Semester:Spring Semesters.

Course Objectives

This course consists of a theoretical and a practical laboratory part.

The composition of body fluids, maintenance of body fluid osmolality and hydrogen ion homeostasis, and buffering systems will be covered. Blood composition and blood cell-related diseases will be described. Furthermore, the molecular and biochemical basis and clinical consequences of disease cases including diabetes mellitus, jaundice, phenylketonuria and others will be discussed. In addition, basic concepts about cancer biochemistry and tumor markers will be explained.  Drug metabolization and drug interactions will be discussed.

In the practical part, experiments are carried out to analyze the constituents of blood serum. These include the determination of total protein, albumin, glucose, total lipid, triglycerides, total hemoglobin, and total iron as well as enzymes to test the functions of liver and kidney. In addition, immunochemical techniques will be investigated.


Course Content

The main object of the course is to deal with the quantitative analysis of body fluids such as blood and urine. The changes in the composition of body constituents under pathological conditions are discussed.


Course Learning Outcomes

  • Describe the composition of body fluids and maintenance of body fluid osmolality
  • Describe the clinical significance of hydrogen ion concentration.
  • Explain the importance of blood buffer systems in the regulation of blood pH.
  • Explain the roles of the renal and respiratory systems in acid–base balance 
  • Explain the techniques and appraoches to study proteins and protein disorders in detail.
  • Explain the functions of liver and describe the biochemical and clinical basis of the jaundice.
  • Explain the liver function tests
  • Explain the hormones regulating glucose homeostasis
  • Explain the carbohydrate disorders and give the molecular, biochemical and clinical details of diabetes mellitus.
  • Discuss tumor markers and future advances in cancer biochemistry and molecular diagnostics.
  • Explain the metabolization of drugs and drug interactions.

 

 


Program Outcomes Matrix

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1Perform basic laboratory and field techniques/approaches used in various branches of biology.
2Understand and apply principles of laboratory and field safety.
3Understand the inner workings of the scientific processes, think critically, and frame questions using experimental and theoretical approaches in biology.
4Proficiency in communicating issues in both English and Turkish.
5Read, and understand scientific communications from primary literature in biology.
6Identify and explain issues in biological sciences.
7Be ready to take new theoretical and technological challenges by recognizing the value and act upon the need for lifelong learning.
8Work as an individual, as well as a team member, and assume leadship when needed.
9Follow the rules of scientific ethics within their careers and professions.

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution