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Unit outline_

MBHT5004: Cardiovascular Metabolic Management

Semester 2, 2023 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit will enhance students' understanding of cardiovascular risk, and the cardiovascular complications that may occur in metabolic disease. It will facilitate increased confidence in the assessment, prevention and practical medical management of cardiovascular disease in its broadest sense. Epidemiology and pathophysiology of atherogenesis and cardiovascular disease, will be addressed followed by an intensive focus on characterisation and patient-centred management of common modifiable cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, lipoprotein disorders, diabetes and liftestyle factors pertinent to cardiovascular health. Evidence based screening and diagnostic methods, lifestyle interventions, pharmacotherapy and non-invasive monitoring will be covered. This will be followed by a detailed exploration of large and small vessel disease and implications of metabolic disease for brain, kidney and heart function (including ischaemic cardiomyopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy and hypertensive cardiomyopathy). Peripheral arterial and cerebrovascular disease, arrhythmogenic disturbances, sleep disorders and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease will all be considered. At the conclusion of this unit of study, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to assess and manage cardiovascular disease risk and have a comprehensive understanding of cardiovascular complications of metabolic disease.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Metabolic Health
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

This unit is intended for students who have experience in clinical care of patients and includes a significant Pharmacology component

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Jason Harmer, jason.harmer@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final graded exam
Online MCQ
30% Formal exam period 1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Online task Online Module Quizzes
Online MCQ quizzes
10% Multiple weeks 4 Module Quizzes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Case Discussion 1
Case Study
15% Week 06
Due date: 10 Sep 2023 at 23:59
1 primary response and 2 peer replies
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO9
Assignment Case Discussion 2
Case Study
15% Week 10
Due date: 15 Oct 2023 at 23:59
1 primary response and 2 peer replies
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO9
Assignment Literature Review
Literature review
30% Week 13
Due date: 05 Nov 2023 at 23:59
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO8

Assessment summary

  • Case discussions: Students are to detail what they see as the main priorities for the initial assessment and management for each case provided. 
  • Literature review: Students are to write an essay based on one of the listed topics. 
  • Final exam: The final graded exam will take place during the formal examination period. The final exam is a graded, fully invigilated exam conducted via Canvas with the help of an online proctor. 
  • Graded quizzes: Each module in the unit of study includes a quiz comprising of multiple choice questions. These quizzes are designed to provide you with feedback on learning and highlight gaps in student knowledge.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Module 1.1: Introduction to Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiovascular Risk, and Metabolic Syndrome Online class (10 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 02 Module 1.2: Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis and Acute Coronary Syndromes Online class (10 hr) LO1
Week 03 Module 2.1: Hypertension – Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Management Online class (10 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Module 2.2: Metabolic and Lipoprotein Disorders in the Setting of Metabolic Syndrome – Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management Online class (10 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 05 Module 2.3: Cardiovascular Health and Disease in People with Diabetes Online class (10 hr) LO2 LO4 LO8
Week 06 Module 2.4: Lifestyle Factors – Smoking Cessation, Exercise, Dietary Considerations and Alcohol Intake Online class (10 hr) LO4
Week 07 Module 3.1: Coronary Blood Flow and Stable Cardiac Ischaemia Online class (10 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Module 3.2: Unstable Cardiac Ischaemia – Acute Coronary Syndromes Online class (10 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 Module 3.3: Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure in the Setting of Metabolic Syndrome Online class (10 hr) LO8
Week 10 Module 3.4: Cardiac Arrhythmia, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Metabolic Syndrome Online class (10 hr) LO8
Week 11 Module 4.1: Disease of the Aorta and Peripheral Vascular Disease Online class (10 hr) LO9
Week 12 Module 4.2: Cerebrovascular Disease Online class (10 hr) LO9
Week 13 Module 4.3: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Metabolic Disease & the Heart Online class (10 hr) LO2 LO4

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. outline the important pathophysiology that contributes to atherogenesis
  • LO2. explain the implications of metabolic disease for cardiovascular risk
  • LO3. describe traditional and novel risk factors for cardiovascular disease and demonstrate a thorough understanding of how to assess cardiovascular risk in the clinical setting
  • LO4. implement primary and secondary prevention management plans to address cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and smoking
  • LO5. describe basic coronary artery anatomy and the manifestations of stable and unstable coronary artery disease
  • LO6. initiate an appropriate initial management plan for a patient with acute chest pain and identify those that need an emergency referral
  • LO7. assess the long-term treatment considerations for people with documented coronary artery disease
  • LO8. Identify the links between metabolic disease, heart failure and arrhythmia and institute appropriate investigations and management for the breathless patient
  • LO9. describe the clinical manifestations of cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular disease and prepare a plan for best-practice management.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We value your feedback about any aspect of the unit of study and your experience as a student of Sydney Medical School. To help ensure our courses meet your needs and maintain a high standard, we welcome your feedback at any time and we ask you to complete the Mid-Semester Evaluation Survey and the Unit of Study Survey at the end of the semester. You can also rate any component of the unit using our star rating system found at the bottom of many pages as you progress through the unit. Your ratings and comments are anonymous and specifying what you liked and didn’t like about any of the learning materials, assessment items, discussion forums, feedback etc will help us to target our improvement efforts. Please note that your participation in this unit of study permits de-identified information about your learning experience and interaction with learning resources to be used for the purpose of improving the student learning experience.

Required materials: The following equipment is required in order to take the final exam: a desktop computer or laptop (not tablet), a webcam and microphone, an internet connection speed of at least 2 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload speed and a browser with pop-up blocker disabled (Chrome is recommended).

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.