Postgraduate study

Postgraduate taught 

Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disease MSc(MedSci)

Advanced Vascular Disease and Stroke MED5691

Advanced Vascular Disease and Stroke MED5691

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No

Short Description

This advanced course provides a comprehensive overview of stroke and related cerebrovascular conditions, covering key areas from pre-clinical aspects of vascular disease to acute stroke diagnosis and treatment. The course will explore strategies for stroke prevention, delve into the mechanisms and clinical features of vascular cognitive impairment, and examine approaches to stroke recovery, including emerging neurostimulation techniques. The curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical management, and evolving therapeutic interventions in stroke care and vascular disease. 

Timetable

This course is made up of lectures (approx. 1-2 hours in length) and tutorials (approx. 1-2 hours in length). 

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Portfolio (100%). The assessment will include:

  • Pre-recorded oral presentation on the epidemiology of a selected metabolic disease (25%, 10 mins) (ILO1).
  • Proposed clinical research aim informed by engagement with relevant, evidence-based literature (75%, 1000 words) (ILO2, ILO3).

Course Aims

The specific aims of this course are to:

  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiological, pathophysiological and therapeutic foundations of vascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke. 
  • Encourage critical engagement with research and clinical evidence, fostering the ability to explore and reflect on emerging therapeutic strategies and interventions.
  • Support independent research inquiry, enabling students to identify gaps in current knowledge and develop well-founded perspectives that advance understanding and innovation in vascular health.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

  1. Evaluate scientific literature to identify key risk factors and the epidemiological, pathophysiological, and therapeutic aspects of vascular disease, with particular emphasis on the cerebral vasculature and stroke.
  2. Critically appraise relevant literature to determine the effectiveness and limitations of current and emerging research for vascular and cerebrovascular disease, including stroke.
  3. Analyse sources to produce a structured critique that highlights gaps, conflicting evidence, and implications for future research in vascular and cerebrovascular disease, including stroke.<

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course’s summative assessment.