Course Objective

This course aims to provide further insights into the pathophysiologic
mechanisms, diagnostic approaches and therapies and societal impacts of
cardiovascular diseases.

Course Content

Cardiac diseases that will be highlighted include inherited
cardiomyopathies, diastolic heart failure and ischemic heart disease.

Both preclinical scientists and clinicians will give an overview of:
- The underlying pathomechanisms
- The diagnostic criteria
- The current pharmacological and non-pharmacological clinical
interventions
- Which hypotheses might lead to novel insights into the treatment of
cardiac diseases
- The societal aspects and impact of the cardiac diseases

Teaching Methods

The course will consist of lectures of experts in their field, group
assignments, presentations and visits to the physiology department and
the catheterization lab in the clinic. During the group assignments,
each group of students will write a grant proposal about a cardiac
pathology. Please note that the first day of the course and presentation
of the group assignment are mandatory.

Method of Assessment

Written examination in English consisting of open and multiple choice
questions, based on the lectures and the provided literature (70%), a
written report (20%), and an oral presentation (10%).

Examination, report and presentation should all be passed (grade 5.5 or
more).
Students can only pass if they meet the attendance requirements.

Literature

The slides from the presentations will be posted in Canvas.

Target Audience

This is a course in the Health Sciences minor Biomedical Topics in
Healthcare. The course is open to both Health Sciences students and
Biomedical students from VU University Amsterdam. Students from other
universities and doing a similar education are also invited to
participate. The minor is not recommended for Health and Life Sciences
students.

Additional Information

Coordinator of this course is dr. D.W.D. Kuster (e-mail addresses:
d.kuster@vumc.nl).

This course is part of the minor Biomedical Topics in Healthcare and has
a maximum number of participants. Students who follow the complete minor
have priority.

Recommended background knowledge

Some basic knowlegde on cardiac physiology is expected. For instance
reading the chapter on Cardiac Function in Vander's Human Physiology or
a similar textbook