BSc Biology

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. 

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 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 blood vessel tone; Angiogenesis.

• 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 (40% of score) and then as a team following discussion (60% of score). Best score from 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 and self-review of essay plans following these 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. Cheriyan, J., McEniery, C.M & Wilkinson I.B, Hypertension, Oxford University Press, 2010, Recommended

2. Katz, AM, Physiology of the Heart, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2010, Recommended 
 

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