The course aims to allow the student to select the most appropriate methodologies, tools, and biotechnological skills for studying biomarkers in clinical samples, particularly in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues. Knowledge and understanding:-Acquire the methodological bases to analyze clinical samples- Know the meaning of clinical biomarkers and distinguish the different types- Know tissue conservation methods and the pre-analytical as well as the analytical problems related to their use-Distinguish the different types of clinical samples based on fixative or type of preservation- Know the molecular biology techniques used to analyze nucleic acids and proteins from fixed tissues-know the in situ techniques for fixed samples- To learn the basics of in vitro diagnostics for fixed specimens. Applied knowledge and understanding- distinguish the different types of clinical biomarkers and know which and with which methods to analyze them in fixed or clinical samples. Making judgments- The independence of judgment is developed through the preparation for the exam, which requires the individual re-elaboration and assimilation of the material presented during lessons. Communication skills- Lessons will be carried out by encouraging students to interact to improve the scientific vocabulary, structure questions, and discuss their theses. Learning skills - deepen the subjects learned during the lectures. Learning skills will be assessed during student examinations.

Students must pass the exam of "Clinical Biochemistry and Biomarkers".

1. Classification of biomarkers
2. Preanalytic processes and their impact on the quality and management of clinical samples
3. Analytical methods for the detection of biomarkers clinical tissues
4. Application of biomarkers to some solid tumors (breast, colorectal, and lung cancers and skin melanoma).

None. PowerPoint files will be uploaded in Moodle or Teams platform.

1. Definition of clinical biomarkers 2. Archive tissues as a source for clinical research and diagnostics 3. Tissue processing and pre-analytical conditions 4. Liquid biopsies and pre-analytical specifications 5. In situ analyses (in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and histochemistry) 6. DNA extraction methods from archive tissues 7. RNA extraction methods from archive tissues 8. Protein extraction from archive tissues 9. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the extracted macromolecules 10. Examples of specific biomarkers of clinical interest.

Frontal lessons based on PowerPoint slides and video. Students will be stimulated to interact with the teacher during the lectures by answering questions.

Any changes to these indications, which may become necessary, will be communicated on the Department's and Degree Course websites and Lecture course Moodle page.

The student’s assessment includes an oral test lasting, on average, 20 minutes, in which possible problems associated with using clinical tissue samples are proposed. The student in the answers has to demonstrate her/his ability to apply the knowledge acquired during the course.
The exam score is awarded by a grade expressed in thirtieth with the following possibilities.
Excellent (30 -30 and praise): excellent knowledge of the topics, excellent language properties, excellent analytical ability; the student has the ability to apply the theoretical knowledge to concrete cases brilliantly.
-Very good (27 -29): good knowledge of the topics, remarkable properties of language, good analytical ability; the student has the ability to apply the theoretical knowledge to concrete cases correctly.
-Good (24-26): good knowledge of the main topics and good language properties; the student can apply theoretical knowledge to concrete cases.
-Satisfactory (21-23): the student does not fully master the main subjects of teaching, although possessing the fundamental knowledge; however, the student shows satisfactory language properties and sufficient ability to apply theoretical knowledge to concrete cases.
-Sufficient (18-20): minimum knowledge of the main subjects of teaching and technical language, and limited ability to adequately apply theoretical knowledge to concrete cases.
-Insufficient (<18): the student does not have an acceptable knowledge of the contents of the different topics of the program.

This course contributes to the realization of the UN objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.