Physiology of Circulation

The course gives an introduction to mechanistic circulatory physiology, and is more comprehensive than the curriculum of the medical school in this specific field. Molecular biology is not included to any degree. Basics for students without previous knowledge of physiology will be given. Methods for functional evaluation is necessary for the understanding of: Pressure measurement, cardiac output, oxygen uptake, ischemia diagnostic, angiography, MR, ultrasound, nuclear medicine. These will be integrated in the lessons, but are not intended to be comprehensive. For comprehensive coverage students are referred to specific method courses. The course will be suitable for PhD students with both technical and medical backgrounds.

At the end of the course, the students should have acquired a basic understanding of: The electrical and mechanical activity of the heart including cellular level, but also ECG, ischemia, chamber function and heart valves. The mechanical pumping function of the heart, the importance of contractility, pressure, contraction and the interaction between them. Evaluation of regional function. The function of the vascular system and the interaction between the heart and the peripheral circulation. Coronary physiology / ischemia.

Semester-based lectures through the semester. The course will be held in English, unless all participants speak Norwegian. Then it may be in Norwegian. A minimum of 4 students required to conduct the course.