BSc (Hons) Cardiac Physiology
Year 1 (national level 4):
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Professional Skills in Healthcare Science (30 credits)
Explore the fundamental and professional skills required of a healthcare science practitioner. You'll learn to work within a patient-facing department, developing an understanding of the patient journey and aspects of their care. Reflective practice skills will be introduced as part of this module, and you'll develop the tools for personal development to promote employability, while gaining knowledge and understanding in the field of healthcare science relevant for today's NHS.
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Cardiovascular Science in Practice (30 credits)
This module will provide you with underpinning knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system. You'll develop essential skills that will allow you to safely and accurately perform routine investigations such as 12 Lead Electrocardiography and blood pressure measurement, adopting a patient-centred approach.
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Scientific Principles of Healthcare Science (30 credits)
Explore the key biological processes that underpin life. You'll learn how molecular composition controls the biological function of organic molecules. Study the relationship of cell organelles and their functions with the human genome, and how the genetic code is expressed resulting in changes in cell signalling, division, differentiation, and death. An understanding of the main human physiological systems will be gained along with how these systems interact on a holistic level to maintain normal body function. Changes in these systems in response to disease and infection will be introduced, as will an understanding of how the patient’s reaction to illness can be measured by healthcare science practitioners.
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Respiratory and Sleep Science in Practice (30 credits)
This module will provide you with underpinning knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the respiratory and sleep systems. You'll develop essential skills that will allow you to safely and accurately perform routine investigations such as spirometry and pulse oximetry, adopting a patient-centred approach.
Year 2 (national level 5):
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Evidence Informed Practice and Leadership in Healthcare (30 credits)
Develop your knowledge and skills of research methods and statistical analysis, including formulating and testing hypotheses. You'll calculate a range of statistical variables using dedicated software. Explore the framework governing research including research ethics. Leadership skills, critical reflection techniques, and ethical principles that support a patient centered healthcare approach will also be studied. The principles and practices of clinical audit will also be investigated.
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Cardiac and Respiratory Disease (30 credits)
You'll continue to develop your understanding of the human body by focusing on the effects that disease can have on the physiological processes. The module will compare acquired and congenital disease and discuss a broad range of pathophysiological processes linked to specific diseases that affect the cardiac, vascular, respiratory, and sleep systems. Embedded within each discussion will be an explanation of how ageing and genetic predisposition impact risk and disease progression. There will be a broad range of conditions covered, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, asthma, and obstructive sleep apnoea. Within each discussion, there will be an explanation of diagnostic testing, prognostic assessment, and management.
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Electrocardiogram Interpretation (30 credits)
This module will develop your understanding of 12 Lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation, a vital aspect of healthcare, and you'll participate in exercises to develop your analysis and interpretive skills. You'll begin by reviewing the essential characteristics of ECG interpretation including waveform recognition, normal intervals, measurement of rate, and rhythm recognition. The module will then discuss recognition of abnormal ECG rhythms including supraventricular arrhythmias, ventricular arrhythmias, junctional arrhythmias, bradyarrhythmias, and conduction abnormalities. You'll also learn how an ECG can be affected by specific disease processes, as well as abnormal metabolic, endocrine, electrolyte states.
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Ambulatory Monitoring and Provocative Testing (30 credits)
In this module, you'll enhance your understanding of a range of diagnostic testing techniques including non-invasive blood pressure measurement, ambulatory Holter monitoring, exercise treadmill testing, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. You'll explore the theoretical approach to measurement technique, focusing on how operators can perform high quality measurements, comparing alternative techniques and discussing indications/contraindications. There'll also be a practical approach to develop your skills in performing these tests. Analysis and interpretation of results will be covered both independently and within the holistic care of a patient.