Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title The Cardiovascular System in Health and Disease
Code LIFE330
Coordinator Dr P Sharma
Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology
Parveen.Sharma@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
LIFE116; LIFE205 None 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Linked Modules:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 26
This refers to timetabled lectures in which core concepts are introduced
2
This refers to timetabled seminars in which selected topics are discussed in more detail
  2
This refers to timetabled practical sessions in the Human Anatomy Resources Centre (HARC)
    30
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 120
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen Written Exam  120  Semester 2  80  Yes    Written Examination 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  2000 words  Semester 2  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Report Notes (applying to all assessments) - none 

Aims

To help students build on  existing knowledge of of circulatory anatomy (LIFE 116 Circulatory and Respiratory Anatomy) and tissue biology (LIFE 205 The Multicellular Organism), and to apply this to understanding to the normal function and the dysfunction of the cardiovascular system

 
To develop in students an understanding of important current research themes in cardiovascular biology, and show how such research informs understanding of the mechan isms underlying, and the treatment of, certain cardiovascular disorders
 
To develop in students knowledge and deep understanding in human anatomy, and the ability to apply, critically evaluate and interpret this knowledge to solve complex problems

Learning Outcomes

To evaluate the principle structures of the cardiovascular system, and how these structures relate to function

To critically analyse theories and evidence for proposed mechanisms underlying some common cardiovascular disorders, and the rationale behind their treatment.

To evaluate recent research findings in the context of cardiovascular function and dysfunction.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - This refers to timetabled lectures in which core concepts are introduced

Seminar - This refers to timetabled seminars in which selected topics are discussed in more detail

Laboratory Work - This refers to timetabled practical sessions in the Human Anatomy Resources Centre (HARC)

Other - This refers to time booked in the Human Anatomy Resources Centre (HARC) which students can use for independent learning

Syllabus
1 

The syllabus covers chosen aspects of the field of cardiovascular biology and how these relate to disease processes.

 
Topic 1. Anatomy of the heart and the coronary circulation.  Circulatory changes at birth.  Developmental abnormalities of the heart and functional consequences.  Blood vessel growth in the embryo and the adult.
 
Topic 2. Cardiac Function, to include the cardiac cycle and cardiac output and its regulation. Examples of conditions where cardiac output changes, both physiologically (e.g. in exercise) and pathologically (e.g. heart failure).  Normal and abnormal cardiac hypertrophy.  
 
Topic 3: The vasculature and its control. Specialised circulations including the coronary circulation. Blood pressure and hypertension.
 
Topic 4. Endothelial cell structure and function.  Endothelial dysfunction.
Atherosclerosis. Angina – causes, classifica tion & treatment. Coronary artery bypass grafting. Cardiac pain and ischaemic pain. Approaches to treatment of anginal pain

The module will be taught by lectures, seminars, and one 2 hr practical session in the Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC). The HARC is also booked for an additional 6 hrs during which  students will be expected to use workbooks and models for independent learning, in order to revise the cardiovascular anatomy learned in Years 1 and 2.

Two seminars will be timetabled during the module to discuss the wider implications of the material covered in the le ctures and for discussion of formative assessments to allow students to monitor their understanding and receive feedback on their progress.

To support independent learning, lecture hand outs, audio recordings and supplementary teaching material will be made available on-line through VITAL
 

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List:

Aaronson PI, Ward JPT (2013)The Cardiovascular System at a Glance. Blackwell Science. 4th. Edition.

Levick JR (2010).   An Introduction to Cardiovascular Physiology. Arnold. 4th Edition.
 
Students will be encouraged to search primary research literature directly connected to the specific content of each lecture.