This cardiorespiratory science module will build on Y1 modules which introduced the principles of pharmacology and the fundamental role of the cardiorespiratory system in sustaining metabolism in every cell in the body and promote homeostasis.
Local and central control of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems will be explored and will allow students to develop an understanding of the functional changes which occur in cardiovascular and respiratory disease. Students will gain the knowledge required to evaluate the efficacy of current and future therapeutic approaches for these diseases including the central role of pharmacokinetics and issues involved in chronic drug administration. A range of examples will be used to support students to investigate how the cardiorespiratory system can adapt to particular environments and situations. The complexity of interactions between the cardiorespiratory system and other body systems will be discussed to allow students to apply their knowledge to the consideration of the impact of this complexity on systemic diseases and their treatment. The use of research literature will allow students to apply their knowledge to developments in the field.
The module will be delivered through a variety of modes including interactive sessions, lectures, SDL, SGTs, journal clubs and lab practicals and will provide grounding for students to undertake many year 3 modules, but particularly Cardiovascular Science (Regulation of Heart and Blood Vessels & Integrative Mechanisms), Molecular and Integrative Pharmacology, Vascular Biology and Pathology, Neuropharmacology & Hypoxia in Health and Disease
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Understand central and local control of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and their relationship to metabolism.
Appreciate the complexity of the interactions between the cardiorespiratory system and other body systems for current and new therapeutic approaches.
Describe the functional changes which occur in highlighted cardiorespiratory pathologies and demonstrate an understanding of therapeutic approaches and pharmacological principles underlying their treatment.
Understand the importance of pharmacokinetic principles in determining pharmacological responses.
Describe systemic responses to drugs utilising knowledge of body system interactions and knowledge of intrinsic control systems.
Explain the underlying concepts behind drug dependence, desensitisation and withdrawal.
Explain how the cardiorespiratory system has the ability to adapt to special situations/environments.
Display an ability to use skills and aptitude to manipulate, interpret and discuss experimental data related to cardiorespiratory research.
Evaluate scientific literature and display an ability to interpret and communicate research data and findings to a wider non-scientific community.
Assessment
30821-01 : Overall Module Mark : Mixed (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessments: Module assessment will be by a combination of a single piece of course work and a main examination paper.
ICA (50%) - Data interpretation exercise Examination (50%) - 2 hour written exam
Reassessment: Academic failure: If a student fails the module then they will be required to repeat the failed components only.
Failure to submit: Submission of coursework is compulsory for the programme. Students are advised that failure to submit without justifiable reason could result in failure of the module. Students will be required to submit outstanding work to meet the module outcomes.