CVR8001 : Introduction to Cardiac Science
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor Christopher Eggett
- Lecturer: Mr Peter Luke, Professor Ioakim Spyridopoulos, Dr Guy MacGowan
- Owning School: School of Medical Education
- Teaching Location: Mixed Location
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 6 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 4 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module will provide trainees with underpinning knowledge of cardiac science through the study of 3 case studies. Normal and pathophysiological aspects of cardiology together with knowledge and understanding of electrocardiography (resting and ambulatory) and blood pressure measurement will be covered. Students will also be introduced to other key cardiac investigations to provide appropriate background information to support their work-based learning activities.
Outline Of Syllabus
• Normal anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system
• Patient pathways to investigate:
o Chest pain
o Heart failure
o Syncope
• Clinical 12-lead ECG
• A framework for basic interpretation of standard 12-lead ECGs
• Ambulatory electrocardiographic recording
• Blood pressure recording techniques
• Overview of:
o Cardiac catheter lab procedures
o Cardiac rhythm management services
o Echocardiography investigations
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 6 | 2:00 | 12:00 | Present in person |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 6 | 2:00 | 12:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 17:00 | 17:00 | Preparation for 60 minute Inspera single best answer examination |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 17:00 | 17:00 | Written exercise prep |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 12 | 2:00 | 24:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Present in person: Lab work |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 6 | 2:00 | 12:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Problem based learning - ECG interpretation and blood pressure interpretation revision sessions |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The fundamental understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, the pathophysiology of cardiac disease and the principles of cardiac science are imparted to students predominately in the initial six week face-to-face study period through a mix of lectures and a practical.
Lecture sessions are used to establish a learning framework for the development of understanding, to explain
complex concepts and provide early insights into the relationships between theory and clinical practice.
Lab work is used to provide students with practical and 'hands on' experience of the typical equipment alongside an introduction to the processes and procedures they will use in the workplace thereby familiarising the students with the practices involved in routine investigations.
A practical understanding of the role of cardiac scientists in relation to other scientific disciplines and healthcare roles will be covered in the lectures and then further developed through the student led reflective activities.
Student led activities will include elements such as case based discussions; students will be provided with cases and will work collectively and individually through these, exploring best practice, providing solutions etc. Cases will vary in their scope and length but are designed to frame their professional understanding to include other healthcare scientists and healthcare professionals.
Problem orientated learning opportunities embedded in the VLE will enable students to continue to develop problem solving, critical reasoning and clinical decision making skills through evidence based activities which will develop their critical understanding of approximate cardiac investigations and procedures.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 60 | 2 | A | 50 | Present in person - Inspera invigilated: MCQ - 40 SBA questions. |
Exam Pairings
| Module Code | Module Title | Semester | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Gastrointestinal Physiology | 2 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 50 | 1000 words. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The MCQ exam (single best answer style questions) will test the student’s knowledge and also their ability to apply that knowledge effectively and appropriately to the clinical setting and consequently demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the module material. This is particularly important as the students will be based in a hospital/laboratory setting during their work placements.
The written exercise is used to assess the critical thinking skills, understanding and application of the knowledge developed through the course of study and the students' ability to apply this knowledge to real life problems and service development.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CVR8001's Timetable