Module
Vascular Physiology and Health
| Module title | Vascular Physiology and Health |
|---|---|
| Module code | SHSM054 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Bert Bond (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 20 |
|---|
Description - summary of the module content
Module description
This is a specialist module which focusses on the importance and measurement of vascular health outcomes, and how vascular outcomes may be altered by certain lifestyle exposures (for example, exercise, physical activity, diet). This is an area of research strength at the University, and as such the module will include 1) practical sessions to experience key laboratory techniques, 2) lectures (and video content) to consider theoretical concepts, and 3) seminars to discuss key research findings. A major theme of the module is its focus on current research. The laboratory classes may provide an opportunity for you to scan, or be scanned, for an assessment of vascular health. Such opportunities are voluntary.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to develop your understanding of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology, and how vascular outcomes may respond to certain “lifestyle” exposures. The module will be research-driven and therefore it should also provide some training regarding the wider research process (from the conception of an idea, to designing a study to answer that question). This is reflected in the assignments. By the completion of this module you will also have an understanding of different vascular laboratory techniques, collection and analysis of data, and interpretation of results.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Gain an appreciation of how to perform selected assessments of vascular outcomes
- 2. Understand vascular physiology and pathophysiology, and consider risk factors to vascular health
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Critically evaluate current laboratory techniques from an evidence-based point of view
- 4. Critique the strength of an evidence base
- 5. Research design
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Discuss and present information (communicate with confidence)
- 7. Work co-operatively
- 8. Work independently
Syllabus plan
Syllabus plan
A series of lectures, seminars and practical classes will support the learning and teaching process, which may cover the following topics:
- Introduction to the module and the rationale for determining vascular function.
- Cardiovascular disease.
- The cardiovascular system – from artery to vein.
- The cerebrovascular circulation.
- Integrative control of blood pressure.
- Quantifying vascular health – vascular structure.
- Quantifying vascular health – arterial stiffness.
- Quantifying vascular health – vascular function.
- Cerebrovascular reactivity.
- Neurovascular coupling.
- Cerebral autoregulation.
- Lifestyle risk factors for vascular disease/health – exercise.
- Lifestyle risk factors for vascular disease/health – nutrition.
- Lifestyle risk factors for vascular disease/health – head impacts.
- Ischaemic preconditioning for health and performance.
Learning and teaching
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 45 | 105 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 45 | Lead lectures, practical sessions, seminars and presentations |
| Guided Independent Study | 60 | Preparation for weekly lectures through reading from journals, textbooks and / or web based resources |
| Guided Independent Study | 20 | Preparation for formative assignment |
| Guided Independent Study | 25 | Preparation for summative assignment |
Assessment
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group oral presentation which outlines their subsequent grant application (summative assignment). Group sizes can be 2-5 people. | The duration is based upon the group size: up to 5 min per individual for the presentation time. So, a group of 2 = Up to 10 min presentation. A group of 5: up to 25 min presentation. 10 min of questions/discussion will follow each presentation. In the instance of a relevant ILP, a student can present on their own (i.e. separately from the group). | 1-7 | Verbal and written feedback will be provided after the presentation. |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grant application. Each individual must independently write their own grant application, based off the group idea they provided in the oral presentation (for which formative feedback was provided). | 100 | 2,000 words | 1-6, 8 | Written |
Re-assessment
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grant application | Grant application | 1-6, 8 | August/September assessment period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to sit a further examination. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 50%.
Resources
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
An indicative basic reading list is provided below, but note that peer-reviewed journal articles will provide the greatest resource, and these journals are accessible through the library:
- Klabunde, R. E. (2021). Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts. Lippincott Connect, Il; Human Kinetics https://librarysearch.exeter.ac.uk/permalink/44UOEX_INST/5mg45k/alma991010385249707446
- Hecker and Duncker (2021). Vascular Mechanobiology in Physiology and Disease, version 8. Springer. https://librarysearch.exeter.ac.uk/permalink/44UOEX_INST/1rdi7h6/alma991007577859707446
- LaMarca and Alexander (2019). Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology. Academic Press. https://librarysearch.exeter.ac.uk/permalink/44UOEX_INST/1rdi7h6/alma991017043827507446
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE page
Module has an active ELE page
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 22/03/2024 |