Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - BPK 411 D100

Advanced Topics in Vascular Physiology (3)

Class Number: 7767

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Mon, Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2022
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BPK 305.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines advanced and current topics in vascular physiology, with a focus on cell structure and signal transduction pathways related angiogenesis, hypertension, diabetes and obesity. Current research methodology and the relevance of vascular physiology to human health will be considered. Tutorial sessions apply course concepts through problem-based learning and literature analysis. Students who have taken BPK 420 Advanced Topics in Vascular Physiology may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course deals with a variety of topics related to vascular physiology as it related to human health and with a focus on cellular signaling mechanism and the ability of students to engage with primary literature.

This course will be taught with in-person lectures and tutorials, assuming that SFU maintains a policy of in-class instruction for Fall 2022. Active participation in class discussions is an important element of the course, so attendance in class is expected with exceptions for medically relevant or similar absences.  

LECTURE HOURS / WEEK: 2
TUTORIAL HOURS / WEEK: 1 

Text: Reference materials for this course come from academic review articles. There is not text to be purchased.

DETAILED LECTURE SCHEDULE

Lecture 01 Introduction, review of vessel structure, mechanics and basic physics of the vasculature.
Lecture 02 Myofilaments & smooth muscle plasticity/stretch adaptation
Lecture 03 Angiogenesis & Vasculogenesis
Lecture 04 Calcium-dependent and calcium-independent regulation of smooth muscle contraction
Lecture 05 Endothelial regulation of tone
Lecture 06 Mitochondrial dysfunction in hypertension
Lecture 07 Mid-term exam & preparation for research projects / presentations
Lecture 08 Extracellular matrix & Mechanotransduction
Lecture 09 Neurogenic vasoregulation
Lecture 10 Autoregulation & vasomotion
Lecture 11 Vascular remodelling
Lecture 12 Current topics in vascular medicine: Diabetes & Blood pressure
Lecture 13 Current topics in vascular medicine: Obesity & Blood pressure

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the semester students will be able to...

  • relate key concepts of vascular physiology and cell biology to a variety of vascular diseases
  • describe signalling pathways that regulate majors functions of each cell type in the vascular wall and interactions between different cell types
  • explain experimental methods to assess vascular function in health and disease
  • communicate an analysis of current issues in vascular (patho)physiology using written and oral methods appropriate for scientific discourse.
  • assess value of cardiovascular research to self and society

Grading

  • Quizzes 5%
  • Participation in lectures & tutorials 5%
  • Written analyses of assigned readings 15%
  • Research project 25%
  • Mid-term exam 25%
  • Final exam 25%

NOTES:

COMMUNICATIONS: (email / phone)

The use of email to communicate with the instructor and/or teaching assistants is welcome and encouraged. Emails sent on a business day will usually be responded to within 48 hours if not on the next business day. For example, an email sent at the end of the day on Friday may not be returned until Monday or shortly after. Please use emails respectfully and recognize that all emails are a permanent record. In some instances, the instructor may suggest that a response to an email may be best served through a telephone discussion.

Students who miss examinations due to exceptional circumstances (such as serious illness or compassionate reasons) are required to obtain a physician's certificate, whereby the physician states that you were unable to write your midterm or final on the set date due to a medical condition beyond your control, or other supporting documents in order to obtain consideration in the course. Such documents must be filed with the Department Chair (via the Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology office) or Registrar within four calendar days of the date on which the examination was to have been written.   Exceptional circumstances must be approved by the Undergraduate Program Committee in order for a student to receive consideration.  Students must check the examination schedule when making course selections. Students are reminded that final examinations may be scheduled at any time during the examination period and that students should avoid making travel or employment arrangements for this period. In the event of a missed midterm or final examination Dr. Poburko reserves the right to give an oral examination of the material.

 

ACADEMIC HONESTY AND STUDENT CONDUCT

Academic honesty is a condition of continued membership in the University community. Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism or any other form of cheating is subject to serious academic penalty. The University codes of student conduct and academic honesty are contained in policies T10.01 and T10.02 which are available in the Course Timetable and on the Web via http://www.reg.sfu.ca.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Tutorials and lecture components will require students to have read literature articles that will be assigned via Canvas.

RECOMMENDED READING:

To be assigned via Canvas.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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 website 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