Biological Rhythms in Medicine

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of cellular and molecular biology and Biochemistry.

Technical and linguistic skills:

Ability to read, understand and express written and oral English at a level sufficient to access the recommended bibliography; Ability to use the Internet for bibliographic research.

Teaching Methods

Expository teaching with cases – learning based on problem solving.

Problem solving.

Seminars presented by invited experts from different areas of medicine.

Learning Outcomes

Understand the principles and mechanisms of biological rhythms, their physiological impact and potential in personalized medicine.

The following learning outcomes are expected:

- Describe the concept of biological rhythm

- Explore the different types of biological rhythms: ultradian, circadian and infradian

- Comprehend the different biological clocks: central, peripheral

- Understand the crucial role of biological clocks in our body, main modulating factors and give examples of disruptions that lead to pathological changes

- Explore the regulation of sleep-wake cycles

- Identify clinically relevant biomarkers of dysregulation of our biological clocks with potential clinical application.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

- Introduction: concept of biological rhythm and its role in human physiology

- Different types of biological rhythms and main mechanisms involved

- Biological clocks: regulation and synchronization in response to external signals (Zeitgebers)

- Sleep-wake cycle: interactions between the biological clock, sleep and health

- Changes in biological rhythms (i.e. in phase and/or amplitude) precursors of metabolic (metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes) and cardiovascular disorders: main factors involved and relevant examples

- Chronotype: concept and personalized medicine

- Train the biological clock to restore its physiological rhythm

- Circadian rhythms: potential role in medicine.

Head Lecturer(s)

Cristina Maria Tristão Sena

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Resolution Problems: 10.0%
Exam: 90.0%

Bibliography

-Artigos científicos e slides das aulas.