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2020/21 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 2020/21

Pre-requisites

BMSC2117Cardio-respiratory Physiology and Pharmacology
BMSC2122Cardio-Respiratory Neuroscience

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 delivered on-line. Additional material from the reading list should be used to supplement the curriculum covered in the lectures.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Practical (computer based)22.004.00
Lecture10.500.50
Lecture121.0012.00
Seminar30.501.50
Private study hours82.00
Total Contact hours18.00
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 topic lecture (approx 44 hours)
Assimilating supplementary reading into lecture outlines, revision and examination preparation (38 hours)

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student engagement with on-line lectures and practicals will be monitored in line with standard faculty practice.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Computer ExerciseComputer practical workbook - to be delivered remotely (not in clusters)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 typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Open Book exam48 hr 00 mins80.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)80.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 13/11/2020 08:19:23

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