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You will study the normal physiology of the cardiovascular system and the mechanisms underlying its major pathologies such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, hypertension and stroke. 

BIOL31582 Pre-requisites are BIOL21141 OR BIOL21321

EITHER

• BIOL21141 Cell Membrane Structure and Function - Pre-Requisite Compulsory OR
• BIOL21321 Membrane Excitability: Ion Channels & Transporters in Action - Pre-Requisite Compulsory

To provide an understanding of the normal physiology of the cardiovascular system and the mechanisms underlying its major pathologies.

• Describe the ionic basis of the resting membrane and action potentials in the heart, and the steps involved in coupling electrical activity to the development of active force.
• Describe the intracellular mechanisms through which cardiac contractility can be modulated
• Explain how ion channel dysfunction, ischaemia and molecular pathways contribute to various heart diseases, and how these may be targeted therapeutically
• Describe the mechanism of vascular smooth muscle cell contraction, and the neural, endothelial and hormonal regulation of vascular tone.
• Describe the mechanisms underlying the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension and obesity-related vascular disease.
• Describe the causes and consequences of stroke, and current limitations in stroke therapy.

• Introduction to Unit: Overview of the cardiovascular system
• Electrophysiology of the heart: Cardiac action potential; excitation-contraction coupling; Cardiac inotropy;
• Cardiac pathologies: Arrythmia; Heart Failure; Myocardial Infarction; Future perspectives
• Blood vessels: Regulation of vascular tone
• Vascular disease: Atherosclerosis; Hypertension; Obesity-related vascular disease
• Stroke: Cerebrovascular disease: role of inflammation; treatment & future perspectives
• TBL: 2 sessions comprising summative assessment tests along with formative feedback, where you will work in a team to solve problems, apply knowledge, and engage in critical thinking  

Exam - 90-minute written examination (70%) - answer 1 question out of 4 options

Coursework – students attend 2 in person TBL sessions. Assessment will be via responses to MCQs (12 per session) answered individually (60% of score) and then as a team following discussion (40% of score). Average score across the 2 TBL sessions taken forward as 30% contribution to final degree mark. 

Team-based learning enables real-time feedback on levels of individual understanding. Students can submit burning questions to be discussed in the session. Facilitator-led discussion following MCQs in TBL sessions will highlight areas of strength and weakness. 

Review and primary research papers will be recommended for individual lectures. The following textbooks will provide helpful background material.

Recommended Reading

1. Katz, AM, Physiology of the Heart, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,  Recommended
2. Geiger, M. Fundamentals of vascular biology, Springer, Recommended  

The co-requisite notes both BIOL21141 & BIOL21321 as compulsory but this is AN EITHER OR CONDITION

The year studying abroad is an integral part of the course and must be completed. Some costs, such as tuition fees, are substantially lower. Other costs can vary and are not included in the tuition fee. For example, living costs may be higher or lower than the UK, and there are travel-related costs to consider, such as paying for a passport, visa fees, health insurance, and (if needed) vaccinations.

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's (PDF document, 91KB).

Students participating in placements outside the UK may be able to apply for funding from the depending on eligibility. Priority will be given to students from low income households.