Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology)

In year 1 you’ll gain a broad understanding of the principles of Healthcare Science. Alongside this, you’ll be introduced to the theory and practice of cardiovascular, respiratory and sleep studies. You’ll also learn about professional working and will start to develop your independent and critical thinking skills. You will complete 10 weeks of clinical placements.

In year 2 you’ll learn about a range of non-invasive cardiac diagnostic assessments, which will prepare you for your specialist clinical placement. In particular, you’ll focus on ECG interpretation, ambulatory monitoring and exercise tolerance testing. These are the procedures you’ll train in during 15 weeks of clinical placement. In addition, you’ll study the pathophysiology of cardiac and respiratory diseases.

In year 3 you’ll learn about a range of invasive cardiac diagnostics and explore more deeply a wide range of cardiac disorders and the options available to treat and manage these conditions. You’ll also conduct a research project in one particular area of cardiology. You’ll continue to develop your practical skills both in the on-site clinical laboratories and in your dedicated final clinical placement in semester 2 of this year. In total you will complete 25 weeks on clinical placement duting the final year.

Throughout the course you’ll develop the skills necessary to become a cardiac physiologist, but you’ll also gain more general skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, independent learning, scientific enquiry, professional working and reflective practice.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Introduction to Professional Issues for Healthcare Scientists 30 credits
• Biological Basis of Healthcare 30 credits
• Cardiovascular Science 20 credits
• Cardio-Respiratory Practice 20 credits
• Respiratory and Sleep Science 20 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Research Methods and Evaluation 10 credits
• Measurement and Instrumentation 20 credits
• Principles of Non-Invasive Cardiology 1 20 credits
• Principles of Non-Invasive Cardiology 2 20 credits
• Pathophysiology of Common Cardiovascular and Respiratory Conditions 20 credits
• Clinical Practice 2 30 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Independent Study for Healthcare Scientists 10 credits
• Research Project 30 credits
• Advanced Cardiac Principles 30 credits
• Clinical Practice 3 40 credits
• Preparation for Practice 10 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) BSc in the course catalogue

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. On this course you broaden your learning through core and/or optional modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Methods of training are highly participative, with a combination of tutor-led input and support, learning through group work and discussion, and individual exercises and practice.

Facilities

The School has a dedicated cardiac physiology clinical skills area. The rooms consist of a separate ambulatory monitoring room, where students can be taught and can practise fitting, downloading and analysing ambulatory information. There is also a larger room for dedicated clinical skills teaching, with the equipment to perform ECGs, basic spirometry and blood pressure monitoring – all basic skills required for the Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) BSc.

Assessment

We use a range of assessment methods to assess your clinical and professional skills, including presentations, group assessments, unseen examinations, practical skills examinations, along with essays and clinical practice profiles of evidence.

You’ll need to demonstrate the knowledge and application of standard concepts, information and techniques relevant to the discipline, as well as your emerging abilities, skills and competencies. You need to be able to draw on a wide variety of material and be able to evaluate and criticise received opinion.