Medical Physiology (Cardiovascular Science) BSc Honours

Course content

What will you study on the BSc Medical Physiology (Cardiovascular Science)?

Your studies are set in the context of the huge increase of heart disease in the western world, making research in this area more crucial than ever. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of cardiovascular disease and how it is assessed, diagnosed and treated. For example, you will explore the use of ECGs and exercise stress testing, where patients exercise attached to an ECG monitor and results indicate abnormalities in heart function.

Through applying scientific methods and studying approaches to research you will learn the importance of scientific research to evidence based practice. We offer a unique opportunity to tailor your learning towards your career aspirations through an independent learning module in the final year, which is supported by our expert academic, clinical, research and technical staff.

Modules

This module introduces the scientific basis of healthcare science and aims to provide you with a solid foundation upon which to build the knowledge and skills required to work as a Healthcare Science Practitioner.

This module aims to provide you with the basic knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis related to healthcare science and with a solid foundation upon which to build the knowledge and skills required to work as a Healthcare Science Practitioner.

This module is designed to provide you with an in depth knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology related to cardiology, vascular, respiratory and sleep sciences.

The module provides you with basic the theory and practice of cardiac, vascular, respiratory and sleep sciences. The module will cover cardiac physiology, vascular science, respiratory and sleep physiology. On completion of the module, you will be able to outline the basic principles underpinning route physiological investigations and procedures carried out in the diagnosis and treatment of common cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, recognise and explain normal test results, and identify safe and effective clinical practice.

This module is designed to ensure that you acquire the knowledge, gain the skills and develop the attitude required for a career as a Healthcare Science Practitioner. It also provides an insight into the roles and responsibilities of a Healthcare Science Practitioner.

This module will provide you with a firm grounding in interpretation of the abnormal ECG and its causative pathologies. Recording of the blood pressure through non-invasive measurement at rest and on the ambulant patient is discussed. The module also provides a detailed background for ambulatory monitoring of the ECG.

This module aims to provide you with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of disease processes and common diseases associated with the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. It will explore the epidemiology, public health and psychosocial aspects of each disease.

This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of principles and properties of measurement techniques used in carrying out physiological measurements in your specialism.

This module aims to provide you with the skills necessary to plan, implement, analyse and report project-based work, with the focus on preparation for the final year project module. The module also develops core research skills fundamental to a scientific research design, irrespective of discipline. Specific research skills include analytical techniques appropriate to individual programme requirements.

This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of provocative electrocardiography. In addition, you will gain a deep appreciation physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology related to this investigative procedure. This module will also build on earlier work to develop the themes of public health and epidemiology of cardiovascular disease, risk factors, risk assessment and primary prevention including behavioural change management.

This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of a pacing and cardiac catheterisation in adults and children. In addition, you will gain a deep appreciation physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology related to each investigative procedure or therapeutic intervention.

This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to study topics related to your target award and/or to gain relevant work experience to enhance your employability. You will explore and critically discuss your chosen topics or work placement and demonstrate the learning gained, as well as the development of your knowledge and skills. The learning will be located within the university or work placement. The learning activities are negotiated and are related to the module outcomes.

This module will build on the skills you have acquired when undertaking previous research modules, and from the knowledge gained throughout the programme. Further development of analysis, critical thinking and scientific literary style will be promoted. You will be enabled to pursue areas of individual interest in the subject area appropriate to your target award and will have the opportunity of gaining increased theoretical and practical knowledge in a chosen specialist field. Individual research experience will be gained in an area that may provide future employment opportunities. Personal responsibility for own learning through self-directed study and supervised preparation will be fostered. It is an integral part of the degree programme, furthering the development of skills in critical analysis and reflection.

You can find more information about this course in the programme specification. Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.