Postgraduate study

Postgraduate taught 

Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disease MSc(MedSci)

Cardiovascular Disease MED5692

Cardiovascular Disease MED5692

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: No

Short Description

This course provides an overview of cardiovascular disease, covering key conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, valvular heart disease, and arrhythmias. With a strong clinical and research focus, students will explore the underlying pathophysiology, current diagnostic technologies, and evolving therapeutic strategies, with particular emphasis on clinical practice. Students will critically appraise research, interpret data, and communicate findings effectively for academic, clinical, or industry settings.

Timetable

Timetables consist of lectures (approx. 1-2 hours in length), tutorials (approx. 1-2 hours in length) and workshop (approx. 1 hour in length).

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

  • Individual written exam (75%, 150 minutes) (ILO1, ILO2)

  • Digital output (25%) (ILO3) (i.e. graphical abstract that visually communicates a critical appraisal of a selected research paper; study aims, methods, key findings, and limitations)

Course Aims

The specific aims of this course are to:

  • Provide students with a broad and integrated understanding of cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, valvular heart disease, and arrhythmias.
  • Introduce current clinical and technological approaches to the investigation, diagnosis, and management of cardiovascular conditions, highlighting advances in therapeutic strategies.
  • Explore the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease, by critical engagement with established models of emerging research and literature.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

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

  1. Evaluate the manifestation and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of major cardiovascular diseases.
  2. Evaluate the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease in relation to investigative technologies and risk stratification approaches.
  3. Critically appraise recent clinical research and innovations in cardiovascular disease management and communicate key findings using appropriate visual formats.

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.