BSc (Hons) Clinical Physiology (Cardiac Physiology)

The Modernising Scientific careers agenda underpins the initiation of the Practitioner Training Programme providing highly skilled and qualified professionals for modern and future clinical diagnostics in biomedicine. You will undergo training as part of the National Academy of Healthcare Sciences. Upon graduation from this accredited programme you'll be eligible to apply for entry onto the highly sought after Scientific Training Programme (masters level) or NHS employment as Healthcare Science Practitioners in Cardiac Physiology.

Physiological scientists investigate the functioning of body systems to diagnose abnormalities, providing key scientific and technological roles in the prevention, diagnosis and monitoring of disease. Using specialist equipment, advanced technologies and a range of different procedures in the course of their work, physiological scientists provide therapeutic intervention and long-term patient management and care.

Clinical physiologists work closely with patients, to monitor heart and lung function in patients with chronic diseases. We focus on understanding the medicine underpinning human health, and the development of processes that result in different disease states. There is a key emphasis on the clinical pathology and diagnosis of human disease, and available treatment strategies. Clinical physiologists are key members of multi-disciplinary NHS clinical teams, working to inform and support cardiologists, doctors, nurses, cardiac surgeons, clinical perfusionists, anaesthetists, and operating theatre practitioners, to deliver diagnoses, treatment and patient centred care.

As a clinical physiologist working in cardiac sciences, you will undertake crucial diagnostic, monitoring and analytical procedures in patients ranging from babies to the elderly that have known or suspected cardiac disease. Cardiac physiologists have a lot of direct patient contact, and will often work as part of a large team providing care to patients.

You will be responsible for carrying out a range of tests to assess cardiac function:

This course has a progression route onto medicine and dentistry for graduates who meet the following requirements:

For further information regarding admissions and interviews, please contact us at meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

• Year 1

• In your first year, you'll be introduced to the healthcare science profession and receive a sound grounding in the basic science underpinnings of modern disease diagnostics, evaluation and treatment. You'll also undertake a division-specific programme of study and complete clinical experiential learning in NHS clinics by day release in semester 2.

  Core modules

  BHCS1001ZA
  Biomedical Investigation and Experimentation 20 credits

  To introduce the learner to key elements of investigation and experimentation within the biomedical sciences and to support the development of the basic skills and knowledge required for effective practice in these discipline areas

  50% Coursework

  50% Practicals

  BHCS1002Z
  Human Anatomy and Physiology: Cells to Systems 20 credits

  This module offers an introduction to the key anatomical features of the body and how physiological function is controlled to maintain homeostasis and health. It will commence with an exploration of cell and tissue biology and the founding principles of genetics, embryology and human development. The module will conclude with an exposition of anatomy and physiology of the major human organ systems.

  50% Coursework

  50% Examinations

  BHCS1004PPZA
  Introduction to Human Pathology 20 credits

  This cross-disciplinary module provides the learner with an introduction to the study of human disease, exploring historical, social and scientific perspectives as well as an opportunity to explore how modern pathology services are structured and operated.

  100% Coursework

  BHCS1005Z
  Human Disease 20 credits

  Concepts associated with altered health states due to environmental, developmental and genetic causes are explored. Pathological changes at the cellular, tissue and organ level are discussed. Genomic and bioinformatic technologies are introduced, and their application to clinical and personalised medicine considered.

  50% Coursework

  50% Examinations

  BHCS1007
  Foundations of Healthcare Science Practice and Workplace Learning 0 credits

  This module provides an introductory framework for Healthcare Science practice, being the major vehicle for the understanding, acquisition and development of the theoretical, practical and personal attributes necessary for a Healthcare Science Practitioner.

  100% Coursework

  BHCS1008
  Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology 20 credits

  This module provides the learner with the theoretical and practical foundations for practice in healthcare physiological sciences, by introducing the underpinning biological principles of cardiovascular, respiratory and sleep physiology

  50% Coursework

  50% Examinations

  BHCS1009
  Cardiovascular and Respiratory Pathophysiology 20 credits

  This module provides the learner with the theoretical and practical foundations for practice in the healthcare physiological sciences, by introducing the underpinning pathophysiological principles as applied to cardiac, respiratory and sleep physiology.

  50% Coursework

  50% Examinations

  HIPL400
  Interprofessional Learning 1

• Year 2

• In your second year, you'll continue to study the roles and responsibilities of a healthcare science professional and begin to specialise in the techniques and methodologies used by healthcare science practitioners in the physiological science disciplines.You will have NHS clinical experiential learning by day release in Year 2.

  Core modules

  BHCS2013
  Clinical Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Sleep Physiology 30 credits

  This module will review the common disorders affecting cardiovascular, respiratory and sleep function. It will include aetiology, risk factors, pathogenesis and the body's responses to a range of conditions. Learners will also develop an understanding of the patient pathway and explore the key principles of measurement techniques underpinning cardiovascular, respiratory and sleep analysis in a clinical setting.

  50% Coursework

  50% Examinations

  BHCS2014
  Clinical Physiology Instrumentation and Techniques 20 credits

  This module is taken by students of both cardiovascular and respiratory & sleep sciences. It provides a familiarisation with the functions and characteristics of clinical equipment used for assessing and recording key physiological parameters

  50% Coursework

  50% Examinations

  BHCS2015
  Healthcare Physiological Science Professional 30 credits

  This module continues the processes of understanding, acquisition and development of the skills and personal attributes necessary for a Healthcare Physiological Science Practitioner. It also provides a foundation in research theory and methodology for systematic study of the evidence base in healthcare science. During this module there will be a work placement in the clinical setting of their chosen discipline, where learners will further develop their skills and professional conduct

  67% Coursework

  33% Practicals

  BHCS2016
  Electrocardiography 40 credits

  This module introduces students to the routine practical techniques applied in cardiac physiological monitoring. It will allow students to develop the requisite skills and confidence to practice safely and effectively in a healthcare science context. Students will gain insight into patient impact (including carers), whilst developing requisite skills and knowledge of a Healthcare Science practitioner

  100% Coursework

  HIPL500
  Interprofessional Learning 2

• Placement year

• You will spend a minimum of 40 weeks full-time clinical work placement activity in a host NHS trust completing all competencies within the specialist portfolio for your chosen discipline.

  Core modules

  BHCS3036
  Professional Practice Placement 0 credits

  This module provides an opportunity for professional training in an accredited clinical placement provider or host organisation between Stage 2 and 4. This module also contains the work placement in clinical environments of their chosen discipline. Here, students will further develop an understanding of the scope and practice of healthcare, whilst developing the skills and professional qualities of a Healthcare Science practitioner/Biomedical Scientist.

  100% Practicals

• Final year

• You'll spend your final year at University, completing a research project and specialist modules focused on your chosen discipline. You will apply everything you have learnt about science, technologies and techniques to the practice of Clinical Physiology / Healthcare science.

  Core modules

  BHCS3012
  Professional Practice in Healthcare Science 30 credits

  This module consolidates material from years one and two of the programme. It extends understanding and acquisition of skills necessary for a Healthcare Science Practitioner, enabling a safe and effective contribution to high quality care in each chosen discipline. This module also contains 25 week work placement in an appropriate clinical setting

  67% Coursework

  33% Practicals

  BHCS3017
  Clinical Cardiac Sciences 30 credits

  This module is taken by cardiovascular science students to enable them to apply specialist aspects of cardiac physiology and pathology to contemporary practice. It will include exposure to provocative and invasive cardiac procedures in a patient-centred context.

  50% Coursework

  50% Examinations

  BHCS3018
  Specialist Cardiovascular Investigations 30 credits

  This module will enable students to apply specialist aspects of cardiovascular physiological measurement to practice. It will include exposure to provocative testing and invasive pressure measurement and cardiac investigations

  50% Coursework

  50% Examinations

  BHCS3021
  Research Project in Healthcare Science 30 credits

  This module is largely comprised of independent self-directed study under the guidance of a project advisor. The project will address a specific research question(s) and will include a literature review and report writing.

  85% Coursework

  15% Practicals

  HIPL600
  Interprofessional Learning 3

BSc Hons Clinical Physiology Programme Specification 2024/25

Mathematics and English Language grade C/4

104-120 UCAS points from three A levels to include the following:

General studies is not accepted for this course.

DMM in BTEC (Science/Human Health based) – depending on the BTEC and units studied. If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application or contact Admissions for further advice.

Accepted – preference pathways would be Health or Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.

Pass an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science/Human Health based) with 33 Level 3 credits at merit or distinction, including 15 Level 3 credits in Biology and 18 Level 3 credits in Chemistry, Maths, or Physics.

28 points overall to include the following:

Other suitable combinations and equivalent international qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. Please contact meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.ukfor more information.

If English is not your first language, an IELTS with an overall average score of at least 7.0, with a score of at least 7.0 in all sections will be required. Equivalent English Language qualifications may be considered, please contact the Admissions Team at meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.ukfor more information. The University will no longer accept the IELTS indicator (online test). All applicants will have to take the IELTS test at an approved centre.

Applicants must also pass an interview, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS/Police Check) and Occupational Health (OCH) checks satisfactorily in order to be eligible to enrol on to the programme.

Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.

Please view our Student Conduct and Fitness to Practise page.

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.

To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.