Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology)

Turn your interests in human biology and health and wellbeing into a rewarding and valued career with Swansea University’s degree course in Cardiac Physiology. You will gain the scientific, clinical, and technical knowledge needed to provide specialised care to people living with or suspected of having cardiac disease.

Studying the anatomy and physiology of the heart, together with the latest diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, you will combine in-depth academic work with practical clinical skills in a range of specialised healthcare settings.

Cardiac Physiology is an exciting and rapidly developing field that requires a high level of responsibility and problem-solving ability. As a cardiac physiologist, you will be expected to carry out some work that used to be in the remit of doctors and there are many opportunities for specialist role extension as your career progresses.

Our state-of-the-art facilities allow you to learn and practice your clinical and technical skills in our simulated clinical practice rooms. Equipped with the latest technology and equipment, each room offers a unique environment that replicates a wide range of realistic clinical settings. The rooms provide an excellent opportunity for you to put theory into practice and gain confidence and experience in clinical environments.

You will spend around half of your course on clinical placements giving you greater insight into the skills you have learnt with our expert clinical teaching team. Clinical Placements will teach you how to present to patients and will embed your learning into your practise.

You will also benefit from a real-life patient setting in our award winning Health and Wellbeing Academy, an on-site clinic that provides health and wellbeing services for the local community in collaboration with the NHS.

The course is accredited by all the major regulatory bodies including the National School of Healthcare and Science and the Registration Council for Clinical Physiology. You will also benefit from our strong links with the NHS and local health boards, with our nearest hospital being next to our Singleton Park campus. Many of our academic staff in Health Sciences are also practising clinicians, providing invaluable professional insight and expertise.

On graduation, you will be eligible to join the voluntary register with the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists or the Academy of Healthcare Science and enter the workplace as an independent practitioner.

Course Modules

In year 1, you will typically study modules such as:
• Professional Practice 1
• Anatomy and Physiology for Healthcare Science
• Pathophysiology for Healthcare Science
• Basics of Mathematics and Physics for Healthcare Science
• Introduction to Cardiovascular Science
• Respiratory and Sleep Physiology
• CVRS Patient Pathways and Work-Based Training
In year 2, you will typically study modules such as:
• Professional Practice 2
• Research Methods and Statistics
• Instrumentation Signal Processing and Imaging
• Healthcare Science Work Based Placement 1 (Cardiac Physiology)
• Measurement of Resting Cardiovascular Function
• Pathophysiology of Common Cardiovascular and Respiratory Conditions
• Measurement of Resting Cardiovascular Function
• Measurement of Cardiovascular Function During Provocation Testing
In year 3, you will typically study modules such as:
• Professional Practice 3
• Healthcare Science Research Project
• Healthcare Science Work Based Placement 2 (Cardiac Physiology)
• Cardiac Catheterisation
• Arrhythmia Diagnosis and Management
• Evidence-Based Practice in Cardiology

You will be assessed via a variety of methods throughout the three years of study. You will complete written examinations, written assignments, presentations, case-based discussions and assessments of clinical competency. In year three, you will have the chance to complete a research project in your chosen healthcare science programme. The results of this will be presented as part of your dissertation and you will be involved in a peer-assessment scientific poster presentation.