Main goal

The Master of Biomedical has a strong orientation in basic and translational research, but also gives high qualification for the professional practice of tasks in the field of biomedical research, clinical analysis and the pharmaceutical anb biotechnology industries, witch do not require a Ph.D. nor an official specialist health sciences degree.

Master objectives

1. Provide advanced training and update knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of disease, especially cancer and metabolic diseases as well as hypothesis, methodology and techniques currently used for research, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and prevention.
2. To offer a solid, comprehensive and homogeneous fundamentals to start doctoral programs and translational biomedical research, and provide students with the basic skills in experimental laboratory work, acquired under the direct supervision of experts.
3. Train professionals to perform tasks in the field of biomedical research and clinical analysis of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, which not require a doctoral degree, or an official specialist health sciences title.

The new curriculum for the course master of 2013-14, contemplates the existence of specialties. In consequence, a significant percentage of the elective credits are devoted to specialty-mandatory subjects, and therefore offers less optional subjects that the previous curriculum except by the fact that the student can choose the specialty that wants to pursue.

The program also includes training complements depending on the academic background of the student.
Moreover, the program objectives and the interdisciplinary nature of Biomedicine justify its interdepartmental and interagency multicentric structure.

Results to be obtained

The graduate must obtain competencies in the following areas:

1. Common competencies that are mandatory for all specialties. Must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Ability to design experiments in biomedicine: hipothesis, methodology development, control, analysis of results and drawing conclusions
• Describe and apply the different experimental models in biomedical research including the main types of genetic modification
• Identify appropriate techniques to solve problems in the field of biomedical research
• Identifying molecular targets for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of human diseases.
• Ability to act as a bridge between basic research and clinical practice.
• Be able to access biomedical literature through electronic searches Internet databases
• Ability to analyze the relevant information contained in the main database for the development of biomedical research and molecular diagnostic strategies and new treatments.

2. Corresponding Competences for the different specialties.

Specialty Basic and Translational Research in human pathologies.

• Identify emerging issues relevant to advancing knowledge of the molecular and cellular basis of human disease
• Arguing the identification of molecular targets for therapy of major human diseases
• Apply basic knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for human disease to new approaches in diagnosis and therapy of these diseases.

Specialty Basic and Translational Research in cancer.

• Identify emerging relevant issues to advance the understanding of the mechanisms of malignant transformation, and design experiments to address them
• Identify emerging relevant issues to advance understanding of tumor progression, and design experiments to address them
• Argue the identification of molecular targets for cancer therapy.
• Apply basic knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for new approaches in cancer therapy and diagnosis of this disease.
• Acquire the ability to design experimental approaches focused on the analysis of basic processes in Molecular Oncology and application to Translational Oncology.

Specialty Basic and Translational Research in Endocrinology and Metabolism.

• Identify emerging issues relevant to advancing knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of major endocrine and metabolic pathologies such as diabetes and obesity.
• Identify emerging issues relevant to advancing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular diseases.
• Identify emerging issues relevant to advancing knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of adipose tissue and its endocrine role.
• Argue the identification of molecular targets for the therapy of diabetes, obesity and arterioclerosis.
• Apply basic knowledge to new approaches in diagnosis and therapy of major metabolic diseases.
• Acquire the ability to design experimental approaches focused on the analysis of basic processes in metabolic diseases and its application to translational research

3. Competences derived form the free subjects. 

• The basic biochemistry laboratory techniques and molecular biology.
• Advanced techniques of proteomics and genomics.
• Histopathological techniques and basic medical microbiology.
• Cellular cultures and engineering.
• Electrophysiology techniques and fundamental cell physiology.

It must also be able to:

• Write and defend scientific reports in a rigorous and competent way.
• Communicate scientific oral and written English.
• Understand the value and limitations of the scientific method.
• Identify the limitations and therefore work in multidisciplinary teams
• Work independently and with initiative to develop a biomedical research project
• Working with laboratory safety.
• Know and argue the importance of the interaction university / industry to promote innovation and transfer.
• Acting in biomedical field with ethics and with maximum moral and intellectual integrity.