Heart failure, primarily caused by atherosclerosis in coronary arteries is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Heart attack is most commonly associated with the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and the resulting thrombus causing vessel occlusion. Understanding the biological processes that contribute to this pathology is central to this module. There will be an emphasis on cellular and molecular mechanisms of function and how these may change in disease. Topics will include the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, platelet function, thrombosis, cardiac myopathies and cardiorenal disease.
This module draws on local expertise and research excellence in this area of cardiovascular sciences. It builds on the content from a range of first and second year modules, including that from modules on the cardiovascular system, Immunology and cell biology.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Describe and explain current knowledge in the field of cardiovascular pathology, including on blood flow, platelet function and vessel formation, with reference to the primary scientific literature
Discuss what is currently known about how these biological processes malfunction in and contribute to various pathologies, such as bleeding disorders, atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathies, cardiac infarction, heart failure and ischaemia reperfusion injury, with reference to the primary scientific literature.
Appraise scientific research papers and explain to peers experimental method, interpretation of results and the contribution to / advancement of the field of vascular biology and pathology.
Perform and explain the methodology of experimental techniques used to research cardiovascular biology and pathology
Analyse and interpret experimental data in written reports and discuss and present the methodology, demonstrating understanding of the experimental limitations and complexities, and placing findings in the context of the scientific literature.
Assessment
38953-01 : Overall Module Mark : Mixed (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
The module is assessed by a combination of a 3 hour written examination (50%) and course work (50%) - experimental data interpretation 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.