Cardiology - Syllabus

**Course Syllabus: Cardiology (STEP1 Prep)**

**1. COURSE INFORMATION**

* Course Title: Cardiology Fundamentals
* Course Code: MED 511
* Credit Hours: 3
* Prerequisites: Basic Physiology and Pathophysiology (MED 301)
* Instructor Information:
+ Name: Dr. Jane Smith, MD
+ Email: [jane.smith@medicalschool.edu](mailto:jane.smith@medicalschool.edu)
+ Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-4 PM

**2. COURSE DESCRIPTION**

Cardiology Fundamentals is a comprehensive course designed to prepare students for the STEP1 exam in cardiology. This course will cover the fundamental principles of cardiac anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, as well as common cardiovascular diseases and their management. Students will learn to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios and develop critical thinking skills to diagnose and treat patients with various cardiovascular conditions.

Target Audience: Medical students in their first two years of training who wish to prepare for the STEP1 exam in cardiology.

Relevance to Medical Practice: Cardiologists play a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, which are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This course will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become proficient cardiologists and contribute to the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease.

**3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES**

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the structure and function of the heart and its related vasculature.
2. Apply knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology to diagnose and treat patients with cardiovascular conditions.
3. Analyze the pathophysiology of common cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and heart failure.
4. Evaluate the efficacy of various pharmacological treatments for cardiovascular diseases.
5. Develop critical thinking skills to manage complex cases involving multiple comorbidities.
6. Identify and manage patients with acute cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke.
7. Apply knowledge of cardiac imaging techniques, including echocardiography, electrocardiography, and stress testing.
8. Develop effective communication strategies for patients with cardiovascular disease.

**4. COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE**

Week 1: Introduction to Cardiology

* Subtopics:
+ Cardiac anatomy and physiology
+ Cardiovascular system overview
Estimated Hours: 6

Week 2-3: Hypertension and Coronary Artery Disease

* Subtopics:
+ Etiology and pathophysiology of hypertension
+ Diagnosis and treatment strategies for coronary artery disease
Estimated Hours: 12

Week 4-5: Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy

* Subtopics:
+ Etiology and pathophysiology of heart failure
+ Diagnosis and treatment strategies for cardiomyopathy
Estimated Hours: 12

Week 6-7: Arrhythmias and Electrocardiography

* Subtopics:
+ Classification and management of arrhythmias
+ Interpretation of electrocardiograms
Estimated Hours: 10

Week 8-9: Cardiac Imaging and Stress Testing

* Subtopics:
+ Echocardiography, electrocardiography, and stress testing techniques
+ Interpretation of cardiac imaging studies
Estimated Hours: 12

Week 10-11: Acute Cardiovascular Events and Emergency Medicine

* Subtopics:
+ Management of acute myocardial infarction and stroke
+ Cardiac arrest and resuscitation
Estimated Hours: 12

Week 12: Review and Practice Exams

* Subtopics:
+ Review of key concepts and case studies
+ Practice exams and assessments
Estimated Hours: 6

**5. REQUIRED READINGS & RESOURCES**

Textbooks:

* "Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology" by John E. Hall, et al.
* "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" by Edward R. B. Larson, et al.

Journal Articles:

* "N Engl J Med" (New England Journal of Medicine)
* "JAMA" (Journal of the American Medical Association)

Online Resources:

* National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) guidelines
* American College of Cardiology (ACC) website

Reference Materials:

* "Cardiovascular Medicine: A Companion to Smith's Intensive Care Medicine" by Michael M. Fuchs, et al.

**6. ASSESSMENT & GRADING**

Assessment Breakdown:

* Quizzes and exams (40%)
* Case studies and written assignments (30%)
* Class participation and attendance (20%)
* Practice exams and assessments (10%)

Grading Scale:

A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = below 60%

**7. COURSE SCHEDULE**

Weeks 1-2: Introduction to Cardiology

* Week 3: Hypertension and Coronary Artery Disease
* Week 4-5: Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy
* Week 6-7: Arrhythmias and Electrocardiography
* Week 8-9: Cardiac Imaging and Stress Testing
* Week 10-11: Acute Cardiovascular Events and Emergency Medicine
* Week 12: Review and Practice Exams

Important Dates:

* First day of class: January 3, 2024
* Last day to add/drop course: January 17, 2024
* Final exam date: March 25, 2024

**8. COURSE POLICIES**

Attendance Policy:
Regular attendance and active participation in class are expected.

Academic Integrity:
Plagiarism and academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Penalties may include failure of the assignment or exam.

Late Submission Policy:
Late submissions will incur a penalty of 10% per day.

Accommodations:
Students with disabilities should contact the instructor or the disability services office to arrange for accommodations.

Note: This syllabus is subject to change, and students are expected to regularly check the course website and email for updates.