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.
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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.