Program Overview

---

BSc Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology)

Course Overview

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.

Why Choose Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) BSc Honours at Middlesex?

Our healthcare science degree with a specialism in cardiac physiology is quite rare in the UK and is one of only 2 such courses in London.

Develop practical skills in our new facilities, learn from teaching staff who have worked in the industry, and spend nearly a year working within cardiology departments using our industry links to London and the South East NHS.

This course is designed to meet the demands of the Department of Health's Modernising Scientific Careers programme so you develop the specific skills that are in short supply – and high demand.

What You Will 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.

Our graduates have gone on to become cardiac physiologists employed by the NHS and in private organisations, including the following; Harley Street Clinic, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust, Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Barts Health NHS Trust, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust and The Royal Brompton Hospital, among many others.

Accreditations

This course is accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science, T and NHS England (formerly HEE).

What You Will Learn

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.

You’ll develop experience and skills in varied investigations, such as electrocardiograms (ECGs), exercise stress testing, blood pressure measurement, and cardiac angiography.

We will help you put theory into practice at our brand new West Stand facility where you will be based with other healthcare science students.

You will be amongst the first cohorts to fully experience this exciting £23 million redevelopment which has created a state-of-the-art educational and high-performance centre for teaching and research excellence.

To develop your knowledge and skills you will be using facilities such as the cardiology practical lab and cardiology simulation suite. You'll be using revolutionary technology to create simulations, with the latest virtual and augmented reality.

In this healthcare science cardiac physiology degree you will:

• Study the most recent research and use the most up-to-date technology in the field
• Get plenty of hands-on learning experience in our specialist labs
• Have clinical placement opportunities throughout London and the South East
• Develop the skills and knowledge needed to start a career in cardiac physiology

Course Content

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:

• Exercise stress testing – monitoring the effects of exercise upon the heart
• Pacemaker implantation and follow-up – measurements and programming pacemaker devices
• Cardiac angiography – imaging and assessing blood vessels supplying the heart) when permitted.

You will also learn to carry out electrocardiograms (ECGs), blood pressure measurements, and ambulatory recording analysis.

Year 1

Broad scientific training; basic physiology and pathophysiology, introduction to the ECG, blood pressure and basic arrhythmia, plus an introduction to diagnostic procedures and development of professional practice.

Year 2

More specialised training with advanced pathophysiology and arrhythmia, exploration of non-invasive diagnostic procedures and more practical workshops, using the equipment in the cardiac lab and simulation suite.

Year 3

Mostly clinical experience as you spend up to 25 weeks on clinical placement, with theoretical classes on provocative electrocardiography, pacing and cardiac catheterisation, plus an advanced understanding of professional practice and clinical governance.

Specialist Diagnostics (30 credits) - Compulsory

The module aims to lay the groundwork for students by introducing you to the fundamental principles of physics and mathematics relevant to healthcare science. The comprehensive approach, coupled with a focus on specific pathways and practical applications, aims to prepare you with the skills needed for successful and effective practice in your chosen field of healthcare science.

Clinical Anatomy and Physiology (30 credits) - Compulsory

The module offers a robust foundation in healthcare sciences, with a focus on specialisation in either cardiovascular and respiratory or neurosensory sciences. The integration of theory and practice aims to provide you with a well-rounded education, fostering a deep understanding of the chosen specialist pathway and preparing you for future roles in healthcare sciences.

Professional Practice (30 credits) - Compulsory

The module is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for a career as a Healthcare Science Practitioner while fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and globally-conscious approach to patient care. This includes insights into the diverse roles and responsibilities of an allied health practitioner, enhanced communication strategies within a multidisciplinary environment, and an emphasis on team-based learning and co-leadership practices.

Biological Basis of Healthcare (30 credits) - Compulsory

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

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Conditions (30 Credits) - Compulsory

The module aims to deepen second-year students' understanding of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases by exploring their pathophysiology, epidemiology, and impact on public health and society. It seeks to enhance your clinical and empathetic skills, promoting a holistic approach to patient care, while fostering critical thinking through analysis of current research and psychosocial considerations within a multidisciplinary healthcare environment.

Applied Cardiac Physiology (30 Credits) - Compulsory

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.

Research Methods and Professional Practice (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module is designed to equip you with the essential skills required for planning, executing, and evaluating research, setting the stage for your final-year project. Concurrently, it aims to enhance fundamental research competencies necessary for scientific inquiry, applicable across various disciplines. These encompass tailored analytical methods to meet specific program needs. The module further provides an understanding of how scientific research is translated into practical applications, exploring the dynamics of innovation and the dissemination of knowledge.

Exercise Tolerance Testing (15 Credits) - Compulsory

This module will provide you with a firm grounding in guideline-directed exercise tolerance testing (ETT), interpretation of normal and abnormal ETT results and its causative pathologies. The module also provides a detailed background on clinical prediction tools, audit and quality assurance.

Medical Instrumentation and Imaging (15 credits) - Compulsory

The module provides you with an introduction of the fundamentals of Audiology. It aims to build the foundations of the clinical and practical theory required for practitioners to understand and apply differential diagnostic procedures in line with National guidance.

Pacing and Catheterisation (30 Credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to provide a comprehensive knowledge of pacing and cardiac catheterisation, including the procedural aspects, underlying physiology and pathophysiology, relevant pharmacology, and the broader clinical context. You should emerge with the ability to apply your knowledge to effectively participate in and/or manage these cardiac interventions in a healthcare setting.

Provocative Diagnostics and Cardiac Imaging (30 Credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to equip you with a specialised body of current knowledge in the field of provocative diagnostics and emerging forms of imaging used in modern cardiology, such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI).

Professional Practice (includes EPA) (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module is a pivotal stage in your education as a healthcare science student, bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application. It aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective and competent practice as healthcare science practitioners.

Final Year Project (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module enhances skills from Research Methods, promoting further development in analytical thinking, critical evaluation, and scientific writing. It enables you to delve into areas of personal interest within their field, advancing your theoretical and practical knowledge in specialised areas.

Teaching and Learning

You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.

How We'll Teach You

You'll take part in problem-solving discussions and exercises, practical workshops and in-class activities. You'll supplement all this with your own guided and independent reading. The mix of delivery modes will be varied and suitable to the content being delivered.

Academic Support

Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop the skills relevant to your degree from research and practical skills to critical thinking. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus, even over the weekend.

Coursework and Assessments

Your learning will be assessed regularly. The exact balance will depend on the modules you are taking.

Careers

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.

Entry Requirements

• UCAS points: 120 UCAS points with 32 in Science
• A Levels: ABC-BBB including a C or above from a science subject
• BTEC: DMM-DDM in a science subject
• Access requirements: Overall pass in a science subject: must include 45 credits at level 3, of which all 45 must be at Merit or higher
• Combinations: A combination of A Level, BTEC and other accepted qualifications that total 120 UCAS points with including 32 in Science

Fees and Funding

• UK students: £9,535*
• Part-time: £79 per taught credit
• Additional costs: The following study tools are included in your fees:
  • Free access to resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
  • Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free printing for academic paperwork
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Scholarships and Bursaries

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

• MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
• Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
• Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.