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Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) BSc Honours

A cardiac physiology degree will give you the specialist skill set needed to meet the growing demands of the industry.
Code
B702
Start
September 2024
Duration
3 years full-time
Attendance
Full-time
Fees
£9,250 (UK) *
Course leader
Lesley Davies

This course has reached full capacity and will no longer be recruiting for September 2023. The next course entry will be September 2024.

Why study Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) with us

Cardiac physiology skills are in high demand, and our specialist healthcare course gives you the expertise, skills and practical experience to enter the field of healthcare science.

Covering everything from diagnostics and monitoring to analytical and intervention procedures, you’ll gain an expert understanding of the heart, how it functions, and how to provide treatment to patients of all ages. Through a mix of virtual and on campus laboratory work and industry placements, you’ll also develop your expertise in echocardiography, pacemaker implantation, exercise stress testing, electrocardiograms (ECGs) and blood pressure measurement.

In our partnership with Saracens Rugby Club, you’ll have access to the fantastic resources at StoneX Stadium, including the brand new £23 million redevelopment project of the West Stand which offers state-of-the-art facilities as a top educational and high performance centre for teaching and research excellence. With some of the most advanced equipment in the UK, you will be able to utilise the new specialist spaces, simulation suites, specialist labs, plus much more.

This course is accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science.

Build your professional skills

We’ve developed our course to meet the demands of the Department of Health's Modernising Scientific Careers programme. This means you’ll develop the specific skills that are in short supply – and high demand – within the field.

You’ll develop your practical skills and gain valuable industry experience by spending 50 weeks in a work experience placement within NHS cardiac physiology departments.

You’ll use our state-of-the-art laboratories to put your skills into practice and develop the confidence to use the latest scientific equipment.

Our graduates have gone on to become cardiac physiologists employed by the NHS and in private organisations, including Harley Street clinic, Huddersfield NHS, Kingston Hospital and Royal Brompton among many others.

We’ll give you the support you need to succeed

During your course, you’ll get personalised support from your Personal Tutor, Student Learning Assistant, and Graduate Academic Assistant. Their first-hand experience in your subject area means they understand how to best support you.


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What will you study on the BSc Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology)?

This degree is designed to develop the knowledge, skills, attitude and ethical values required to provide excellent patient-centred care, and to work safely and effectively in the National Health Service. You will learn to execute specialist procedures in cardiac science including: echocardiography (using ultrasound to image the heart to aid diagnosis), pacemaker implantation and follow up (measurements and programming pacemaker devices), and exercise stress testing (monitoring blood vessels supplying the heart) when permitted. You will also learn to carryout electrocardiograms (ECGs) and blood pressure measurement.

What will you gain?

You will graduate with the ability to critically evaluate research evidence in the context of current theory and practice and the confidence to solve clinical problems under pressure. You will also have the communication skills to provide an excellent standard of patient care

Modules

  • Year 1 - Compulsory

    • Professional Practice (15 credits)

      The module is designed to ensure that you acquires the knowledge, gain the skills and develop the attitude required for a career as a Healthcare Science Practitioner. It also provides an insight into the roles and responsibilities of the practitioner and will help you develop your communication, study and team working skills.

    • Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Sleep Science (30 credits)

      The module aims to provide you with the basic theory and practice of cardiac, vascular, respiratory and sleep sciences. On completion of this module you will be able to outline the basic principles underpinning routine physiological investigations and procedures carried out in the diagnosis and treatment of common cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. You should also be able recognise and explain normal test results, and identify safe and effective clinical practice..

    • Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems (15 credits)

      The module aims to provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology related to cardiology, vascular, respiratory and sleep sciences

    • Clinical Technology and Mathematics (15 credits)

      The module introduces you to the basic principles of both physics and mathematics that are related to healthcare and ensures that you have a good range of the mathematical and statistical skills that underpin the practice of healthcare science.

    • Social Aspects of Healthcare (15 credits)

      The module aims to introduce you to the principles and core concepts of the sociology of health and illness, plus the importance of epidemiology, health prevention and protection and public health function.

    • Biological Basis of Healthcare (30 credits)

      The module aims to provide you with the basic knowledge and understanding of the biology related to healthcare, with a solid foundation on which to build the knowledge and skills required to work as a Healthcare Science Practitioner.

  • Year 2 - Compulsory

    • Research Methods and Professional Practice (30 credits)

      The module aims to provide you with knowledge and understanding of the importance of research, development and innovation in clinical practice. In addition, it provides the underpinning knowledge required to undertake a research project. Finally, it will also prepare you for a career as a Healthcare Science Practitioner.

    • Cardiovascular Science (45 credits)

      This module will provide you with a firm grounding in interpretation of the abnormal ECG and its causative pathologies. Recording of the blood pressure through non-invasive measurement at rest and on the ambulant patient is discussed. The module also provides a detailed background for ambulatory monitoring of the ECG.

    • Cardiovascular & Resp Cond (30 credits)

      The module aims to provide you with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of disease processes and common diseases associated with the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. It will explore the epidemiology, public health and psychosocial aspects of each disease.

    • Medical Instrumentation and Imaging (15 credits)

      The module aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of principles and properties of measurement techniques used in carrying out physiological measurements.

  • Year 3 - Compulsory

    • Pacing and Catheterisation (45 credits)

      The module aims to provide you with knowledge and understanding of a pacing and cardiac catheterisation in adults. In addition, you will gain a deep appreciation of physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology related to each investigative procedure or therapeutic intervention.

    • Provocative Electrocardiography (15 credits)

      The module aims to provide you with a knowledge and understanding of provocative electrocardiography. In addition, you will gain a deep appreciation physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology related to this investigative procedure. This module will also build on earlier work to develop the themes of public health and epidemiology of cardiovascular disease, risk factors, risk assessment and primary prevention including behavioural change management. It will also explore the importance of patient-centred care and the clinical audit.

    • Dissertation (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module will build on the skills you have acquired when undertaking previous research modules and from the knowledge gained throughout the programme. Further development of analysis, critical thinking and scientific literary style will be promoted. You will be enabled to pursue areas of individual interest in the subject area appropriate to their target award and will have the opportunity of gaining increased theoretical and practical knowledge in a chosen specialist field. Individual research experience will be gained in an area that may provide future employment opportunities. Personal responsibility for own learning through self-directed study and supervised preparation will be fostered. It is an integral part of the degree programme, furthering the development of skills in critical analysis and reflection.

    • Professional Practice (30 credits)

      The module provides you with consolidate knowledge and technical skills gained earlier in the course. In addition, this module provides you with an opportunity to undertake a full range of practice required to work effectively as a Healthcare Science Practitioner.

You can find more information about this course in the programme specification. Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.

  1. Overview
  2. Teaching and learning
  3. Assessment and feedback
  1. Standard entry requirements
  2. How to apply
  1. UK
  2. Additional costs

How can the BSc Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology)  support your career?

The NHS is one of the largest employers in the world and this degree provides you with the skills, knowledge and experience to work at the heart of the NHS as a healthcare scientist in cardiac physiology. The NHS has recognised a skills shortage in this area and our course is designed to meet the requirements of the sector.

You can find more useful information about medical engineering careers on the NHS Careers website.

Dr Neville Hall
Director of Programmes for Biomedical sciences

Dr Hall’s research interests include Skeletal muscle fatigue, control of breathing during exercise and dietary behaviour and eating attitudes of the physically active.

Dr Hall’s recent publications include ‘HALL NH (2002) Introduction to Nutrition and Metabolism’ and ‘British Journal of Nutrition (88): 582-583.

  • Iqra Sheikh

    Second year student, BSc Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology)

    When my dad had a heart problem, I saw how the doctors helped him. I became intrigued as to how the main organ of the body can be fixed. I wanted to know more about this, and also I wanted to feel that I could give back.

    The first time I came to Middlesex University for an open day it just immediately felt like home. The staff were so friendly and just made me feel comfortable. The university is really accommodating to students. I love that there are two different libraries. The campus has lots of halal food options on offer, which is great for me. I think that this reflects the fact that MDX really respects diversity.

    The lecturers are always happy to offer 1:1 help. They focus on you as individuals and they want you to become the best health practitioner possible. I feel that I can ask any questions in class, which is a big deal for me as I’m usually quite shy. Hands on learning is a huge aspect of the course and we have access to some amazing facilities, from EEG machines to exercise testing machines. Before going on placement, we could practice and get a feel of how everything works. They don’t send us off on our placements without feeling like we understand it all properly.

    I am currently on my placement, five days a week at North Middlesex Hospital. I get to be involved in and experience many different things and the experience helps to open doors when you’re looking for jobs. There is a lot of patient contact and we are given mentors who support us throughout.

    After I have finished this course, I would like to pursue a master’s in paediatric cardiac physiology. This is my way of giving back but also simultaneously doing something I enjoy.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

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