Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - BPK 412 D100

Molecular Cardiac Physiology (3)

Class Number: 5843

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Mon, Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 10, 2021
    Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BPK 305 or MBB 308.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A detailed analysis of the molecular and cellular basis of cardiac function employing a multidisciplinary approach including structure (histology, ultrastructure, molecular), biophysics (electrophysiology and molecular/cellular biomechanics), physiology, biochemistry and cellular/molecular biology. Discussion of experimental techniques, including human induced pluripotent stem-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs), will be used to examine the mechanisms by which inherited arrhythmias and cardiomyopathies manifest as a pathological phenotype.

COURSE DETAILS:

The course presents a detailed analysis of the mechanistic basis of cardiac function.  This is a multidisciplinary approach that includes anatomy (histology and ultrastructure), cellular and molecular biomechanics, physiology/biophysics, electrophysiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology.  There is an emphasis on cardiac contractile function, ion channels, channelopathies, inherited cardiac arrhythmias and cardiomyopathies.  Approaches include human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) and genome editing in their diagnosis and treatment.  Course structure: two hours of lecture and one-hour tutorial per week.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • To learn how to critically evaluate literature in molecular cardiac physiology,
  • To learn to orally present controversial topics in the field
  • To learn to write a balanced report on complex and controversial topics in the field

Grading

  • Debate 20%
  • Term paper 20%
  • Midterm exam 20%
  • Final exam 40%

REQUIREMENTS:

Prerequisites:

BPK 305 (MBB 222 and 231 are highly recommended)

                = OR =

MBB 308 (with instructor’s consent)

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no textbook for the course.  A series of PDF files will be made available on the Canvas website.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

It is the responsibility of the student to keep their BPK course outlines if they plan on furthering their education.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.