Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathology

Postgraduate | 2026

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area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
HLTH 5902
Course ID icon
Course ID
207078
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
5
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course will provide students with a detailed knowledge of cardiovascular physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and haemodynamics. Physiology of the cardiovascular system including the electrical conduction, contraction and relaxation properties of the heart and the role of cardiac myocytes. Basic pathology of the cardiovascular system as well as the signs and symptoms of heart disease and the basics of cardiovascular pharmacology. Haemodynamic principles and calculations for estimation of intra-cardiac pressures, pressure gradients and stroke volumes.

Course learning outcomes

  • Describe in detail the physiology of the heart including the motion of heart during cardiac cycle, action potentials, Frank-Starling law, phases of the cardiac cycle, cardiac output and heart sounds.
  • Interpret ECG rhythms and describe the effects of abnormal rhythms.
  • Describe in detail common cardiovascular pathologies, and how these affect the heart and peripheral vessels
  • Explain the normal contraction of the heart and function of the blood vessels, the changes which occur in heart failure, and why these changes occur.
  • Analyse the basic mechanism and action of drugs on the cardiovascular system including: inotropic/chronotropic drugs, anti-arrhythmic, anti-hypertensive, anti-anginal, anti-coagulant and diuretics.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and appropriate use of basic haemodynamic measurements and their limitations.
  • Autonomously plan and describe a steam appropriate sonography examination using advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, normal and abnormal sonographic appearances, ultrasound physics and image optimisation.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A