CARDIOVASCULAR PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY

CARDIOVASCULAR PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
Course Code
BM 3501
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Dr D Scott

Pre-requisites

BI 20B2 and BI 25B2 (other relevant courses may also be considered by the course coordinator)

Overview

The course will cover the physiological and pharmacological aspects of the functioning of the mammalian heart and circulatory systems; the mechanisms of control and adaptation will be examined in detail. Practical work and demonstrations will be used to illustrate the experimental techniques which are utilised to derive knowledge of the functioning of the system. Students will also be given some instruction on intravenous fluids, the relevance of respiratory pharmacology and physiology, and the physiology of blood. In addition, the course will also provide more in-depth study of various types of cardiovascular pathophysiologies such as: diabetes, hypertension, myocardial infarction, angina, stroke and atherosclerosis. Students will also receive training in the ethical and health & safety aspects of blood sampling, recruitment of human subjects in research trials and how scientific discoveries are applied in clinical situations.

Structure

3 one hour lectures per week and 1 all day practical.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 one and a half hour written examination (70%) and in-course assessment - (30%). Continuous assessment comprises: 1 laboratory report, 2 case studies.

Resit: 1 one and a half hour essay examination (70%) and previous continuous assessment (30%).

Formative Assessment

- Case-study exercise with feedback in preparation for summative assessments.
- PRS-based revision sessions allow students to practice for MCQ tests and receive feedback on their performance.

Feedback

- Practical reports and case studies will be marked with written comments.
- Case study questions will be discussed during a lecture/feedback session.
- Students are given general feedback on performance during PRS revision sessions.
- Model answers for case studies and practicals also placed on MyAberdeen.
- Feedback on laboratory practical performance also given verbally during classes.