Biomarkers: from Identification to Exploitation
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The objective of the course is to provide the students with the skills to understand how to identify a new biomarker taking advantage of omics strategy and population studies. Processes to validate the detection strategy for a biomarker, the statistical analysis to correlate the biomarker with a clinical outcome, and market exploitation will be discussed.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will have the knowledge to design strategies to discover and validate novel biomarkers.
Lesson period: First semester
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Prerequisites for admission
Teaching Unit A: Bioanalytical methods in drug and biomarkers discovery
None
Teaching Unit B: Pharmacological Validation of biomarkers
None
Teaching Unit C: Molecular endocrinology and endocrine biomarkers
None
None
Teaching Unit B: Pharmacological Validation of biomarkers
None
Teaching Unit C: Molecular endocrinology and endocrine biomarkers
None
Assessment methods and Criteria
Teaching Unit A: Bioanalytical methods in drug and biomarkers discovery
The exam consists of a written test with open-ended questions covering the full range of topics discussed throughout the course. It is designed to evaluate the student's mastery of the theoretical foundations and practical applications of key bioanalytical techniques used in biomarker analysis, as well as the ability to critically identify and justify the most appropriate analytical strategy for addressing specific bioanalytical challenges. Particular attention is also given to the student's grasp of data processing methodologies and the interpretation of experimental results.
Teaching Unit B: Pharmacological Validation of biomarkers
The exam consists of an oral exam during which the level of knowledge of the concepts described during the course will be evaluated and the critical capacity of the candidate will be assessed regarding the consistency, validity and any needs still to be satisfied in the context of biomarkers in pharmacology.
Teaching Unit C: The exam consists of an oral test during which the level of knowledge of the concepts described during the course will be assessed; the property of language and the ability to comprehensively describe endocrine biomarkers and their context will be assessed as well.
The exam consists of a written test with open-ended questions covering the full range of topics discussed throughout the course. It is designed to evaluate the student's mastery of the theoretical foundations and practical applications of key bioanalytical techniques used in biomarker analysis, as well as the ability to critically identify and justify the most appropriate analytical strategy for addressing specific bioanalytical challenges. Particular attention is also given to the student's grasp of data processing methodologies and the interpretation of experimental results.
Teaching Unit B: Pharmacological Validation of biomarkers
The exam consists of an oral exam during which the level of knowledge of the concepts described during the course will be evaluated and the critical capacity of the candidate will be assessed regarding the consistency, validity and any needs still to be satisfied in the context of biomarkers in pharmacology.
Teaching Unit C: The exam consists of an oral test during which the level of knowledge of the concepts described during the course will be assessed; the property of language and the ability to comprehensively describe endocrine biomarkers and their context will be assessed as well.
Module: Bioanalytical methods and pharmacological validation of biomarkers
Course syllabus
Teaching Unit A: Bioanalytical methods in drug and biomarkers discovery
- Main instrumental techniques used for biomarker detection;
- Bioanalytical approaches for the identification and characterization of biomarkers;
- Statistical methods for the processing and interpretation of experimental data;
- Applications in vascular and cancer-related pathologies.
Teaching Unit B: Pharmacological Validation of biomarkers
Frontal lessons:
Definition of Biomarkers
Biomarkers in pharmacology and drug discovery
Biomarkers validation
Biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases
Biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases
Biomarkers in neuropsychopharmacology
ESE: discussion of scientific papers and clinical trials. The students are divided into working groups for the first part, and then all the groups will share their conclusions for a collegial discussion. The teacher will actively participate in the work of each group and in the final debate.
- Main instrumental techniques used for biomarker detection;
- Bioanalytical approaches for the identification and characterization of biomarkers;
- Statistical methods for the processing and interpretation of experimental data;
- Applications in vascular and cancer-related pathologies.
Teaching Unit B: Pharmacological Validation of biomarkers
Frontal lessons:
Definition of Biomarkers
Biomarkers in pharmacology and drug discovery
Biomarkers validation
Biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases
Biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases
Biomarkers in neuropsychopharmacology
ESE: discussion of scientific papers and clinical trials. The students are divided into working groups for the first part, and then all the groups will share their conclusions for a collegial discussion. The teacher will actively participate in the work of each group and in the final debate.
Teaching methods
Teaching Unit A: Bioanalytical methods in drug and biomarkers discovery
Frontal lesson
Teaching Unit B: Pharmacological Validation of biomarkers
Frontal lessons, group/class work
Frontal lesson
Teaching Unit B: Pharmacological Validation of biomarkers
Frontal lessons, group/class work
Teaching Resources
All the slides presented by the teacher and the scientific articles will be available on Ariel website
Module: Molecular endocrinology and endocrine biomarkers
Course syllabus
General concepts of endocrinology.
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal gland axis: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid axis: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonadal axis: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Growth "axis": pathophysiology and biomarkers
Prolactin: pathophysiology
Posterior pituitary hormones: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Calcium metabolism: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Endocrine pancreas: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal gland axis: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid axis: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonadal axis: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Growth "axis": pathophysiology and biomarkers
Prolactin: pathophysiology
Posterior pituitary hormones: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Calcium metabolism: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Endocrine pancreas: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons/group works
Teaching Resources
All the slides presented by the teacher and the scientific articles will be available on Teams class website
Modules or teaching units
Module: Bioanalytical methods and pharmacological validation of biomarkers
BIO/14 - PHARMACOLOGY - University credits: 3
CHIM/08 - PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 3
CHIM/08 - PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 3
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Altomare Alessandra Anna, Calabrese Francesca
Module: Molecular endocrinology and endocrine biomarkers
MED/13 - ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM - University credits: 4
Lessons: 32 hours
Professor:
Giatti Silvia
Professor(s)