PHYS30160 Control of Vascular Resistance

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module addresses mechanisms by which local blood flow is regulated in general and through specific organs and tissues. Students are encouraged to understand how our understanding of vascular physiology has developed; accordingly, emphasis is placed upon the reading of original scientific literature and an appreciation of methodological approaches. This module is intended mainly for Students in Stage 4 of the Science degree programme. It is also suitable for students registered to other programmes with an appropriate learning background in vascular physiology.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to: describe a number of mechanisms that modulate small artery tone; describe the methodological approaches taken to elucidate such mechanisms; provide a critical analysis of methodological approaches and experimental evidence.

Indicative Module Content:

This module addresses some example mechanisms by which the small arteries of the systemic circulation regulate their diameters. The mechanisms involved in contractile behaviour in response to changes in transmural pressure will be described including modulation of ionic conductance, membrane potential, and intracellular calcium concentration. The influence of blood flow upon arterial tone will be discussed. The principles of haemodynamics and the control of blood flow through some example circulations will also be addressed. Emphasis will be placed upon the reading of original scientific literature and an appreciation of methodological approaches.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Tutorial

3
Specified Learning Activities

62
Autonomous Student Learning

36
Total

113
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Classes will run in a face to face format. Bespoke formats will be available should they be required.
Tutorials will address key topics and provide a forum for discussions and feedback on assignments.

Throughout, emphasis is placed upon the methodological approaches that have shaped our understanding of specific vascular physiological functions. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
MDSA20170 - Vascular Biology, PHYS30010 - Cardiovascular Physiology


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Essay 1 (of two to be attempted) 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

35
Examination: Essay 2 (of two to be attempted) 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

35
Assignment: Review of paper. Unspecified n/a Graded No

20
Assignment: Review of paper. Unspecified n/a Graded No

10

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Assignments will be annotated by the examiner.

The reading list comprises a number of research articles and the list is provided in the module information document posted on Brightspace.