2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BMSC3138 Cellular Cardiology

10 creditsClass Size: 120

Module manager: Dr Sarah Calaghan
Email: S.C.Calaghan@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisites

BMSC1110	Foundations of Biomedical Sciences
BMSC2117	Cardio-respiratory Physiology and Pharmacology

Module replaces

BMSC3215

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

The objectives of this module are to teach students about how the rhythm and contractility of the heart are regulated at the cellular level and how this relates to cardiac function. This will involve study of the electrical activity of the heart, and the mechanisms contributing to intracellular Ca2+ regulation which underpins the strength of contraction of the heart.

These topics will be discussed in parallel with the techniques used for the study of the cardiac cell, and their advantages and disadvantages. It is hoped to foster a critical interest and understanding of modern cellular cardiac physiology and how this can help our understanding of normal heart function.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students will be able to:
- Describe how the rhythm and contractility of the heart are regulated at the cellular level and how this relates to heart function.
- At the cellular level, understand the electrical activity of the heart, and the mechanisms contributing to intracellular Ca2+ regulation which underpin the strength of contraction of the heart.
- Understand the techniques used for the study of the cardiac cell, and their advantages and disadvantages.
- Develop a critical interest and understanding of modern cellular cardiac physiology.
- Develop an ability to distill important aspects from research papers as supplementary reading and integrate that with the lecture material to enhance depth and understanding of the topics.

Syllabus

Students will study the regulation of cardiac rhythm and contractility under physiological conditions. Basic physiology will be augmented with detailed discussion of recent experimental literature in the areas of particular controversy. We will examine regional variations in the electrical behaviour of the heart, the control of intracellular calcium and the impact on cardiac contractility. The way in which the two most important physiological regulators of cardiac function (stretch, the autonomic nervous system) impact on cardiac cell behaviour will also be studied. Learning will be reinforced by two computer-based practical classes. Additional material from the reading list should be used to supplement the curriculum covered in the lectures.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Practical (computer based)	2	3.00	6.00
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			83.00
Total Contact hours			17.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

Students should note that the following information is for guidance only. The actual time required for the various elements will vary between students.
4 hours of self-study per lecture (approx 44 hours)
Assimilating supplementary reading into lecture outlines, revision and examination preparation (39 hours)

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student attendance at lectures and practicals will be monitored in line with standard faculty practice.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Computer Exercise	Computer practical workbook	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		20.00

Failure to complete the computer practical workbook to a pass standard will result in a V code being appended to the final module mark.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	3 hr 00 mins	80.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		80.00

Exam description 2 questions (50% of marks each) from a choice of 4. Questions grouped into 2 per section with 1 question selected from each section.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 04/04/2017

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