Cardiovascular Disease

University of Reading

Course Description

  • Course Name

    Cardiovascular Disease

  • Host University

    University of Reading

  • Location

    Reading, England

  • Area of Study

    Biomedical Sciences

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

  • Course Level Recommendations

    Upper

    ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.

    Hours & Credits

  • ECTS Credits

    5
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    3
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    4

  • Overview

    Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
    Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
    Level:6
    Terms in which taught: Spring term module
    Pre-requisites: BI1BA1 The Living Cell
    Non-modular pre-requisites:
    Co-requisites:
    Modules excluded:
    Module version for: 2014/5
    Module Convenor: Dr David Leake
    Email: d.s.leake@reading.ac.uk
    Summary module description:
    Aims:
    The aim of this module is to describe, at the biochemical and physiological levels, the underlying causes of coronary heart disease and strokes (the second and fourth leading causes of death in this country). The scientific rationale for the development and use of drugs to treat cardiovascular disease is discussed.
    Assessable learning outcomes:
    The student will be expected at the end of the module to be able to:
    - Discuss the current theories for the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis
    - Describe the biochemical mechanisms by which lipid-lowering drugs act
    - Describe the main characteristics of strokes
    - Recognise the importance of thrombosis in coronary heart disease and strokes and describe the biochemical mechanisms by which drugs act to prevent or treat thrombosis
    - Discuss the causes and treatments of cardiac arrhythmias
    - Discuss the causes and treatments of heart failure
    - Discuss the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease and the mechanisms by which they act
    - Discuss the role of the diet in cardiovascular disease
    Additional outcomes:
    Students will gain the experience of giving an individual talk.
    Outline content:
    The module describes the medical importance of coronary heart disease and strokes. The latest theories for the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis are discussed, followed by the mechanisms that lead to thrombosis, strokes, myocardial infarctions, cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure. The pharmacological treatment of cardiovascular disease is described in terms of lipid-lowering drugs, antithrombotic drugs and drugs to treat arrhythmias and heart failure. The risk factors, and the role of the diet, for coronary heart disease and strokes are discussed, together with their mechanisms of action.
    Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
    Each week has two hours of lectures. Each student will give a short talk on any aspect of cardiovascular disease of their choice.
    Contact hours:
    Spring
    Lectures 16
    Seminars 8
    Guided independent study 76
    Total hours by term 100.00
    Total hours for module 100.00
    Summative Assessment Methods:
    Method Percentage
    Written exam 75
    Oral assessment and presentation 25
    Other information on summative assessment:
    Short talk on any aspect of cardiovascular disease
    Formative assessment methods:
    Structured anonymous peer feedback is given on the individual student talks.
    Penalties for late submission:
    The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
    where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
    where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
    You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
    Length of examination:
    A two-hour examination requiring answers to two questions out of four
    Requirements for a pass:
    A mark of 40% overall
    Reassessment arrangements:
    Examination in August/September
    Last updated: 8 October 2014

Course Disclaimer

Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

Some courses may require additional fees.

Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.

ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits are converted to semester credits/quarter units differently among U.S. universities. Students should confirm the conversion scale used at their home university when determining credit transfer.

Please reference fall and spring course lists as not all courses are taught during both semesters.

Please note that some courses with locals have recommended prerequisite courses. It is the student's responsibility to consult any recommended prerequisites prior to enrolling in their course.

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