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Department of Cardiovascular Sciences
University of Leicester
Clinical Sciences Wing
Glenfield General Hospital
Leicester
LE3 9QP

General Enquiries to
Louise Goddard
Tel: 0116 258 3045

Postgraduate General Enquiries to
Postgraduate Tutor

For other contact details see under
Research Groups
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Intercalated BSc Projects

Intercalated BSc Scheme

Medics Graduation (large)

 

Some medical students choose to interrupt their training to study for an intercalated BSc honours degree by completing a research project (known as Scheme B). This allows them to gain knowledge of topics which fall beyond the scope of the medical curriculum and to acquire skills relevant to a career in academic medicine or research. Each year, several students choose to undertake a research project in Cardiovascular Sciences. 

 

Some Student Comments:

"Despite warnings from many people, I assumed the BSc would be a nice break from the intense nature of medicine however, I was mistaken. It turned out to be the toughest yet most rewarding year of medical school which involved long days, sleepless nights and travelling to Florida to present at a conference."

"Doing the BSc has been the best decision of my life and I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in research." 

 
My research project was about injury epidemiology. I assessed risk factors and novel prevention methods for cycling injuries. It was an amazing opportunity for me to learn and apply principles about research. I would recommend it to anyone who is considering doing an intercalated BSc! 
My year spent in the Cardiovascular department has been a very exciting and enjoyable one. I have had the opportunity to not only conduct clinical research but also to get involved in other aspects of the work involved. I have also managed to gain not only research experience but also develop my clinical and communication skills. In addition to this, the department provided me with all the support I needed whilst providing a very enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere for me to work in. 
I have absolutely no regrets in choosing to do a BSc and I would highly recommend a cardiovascular BSc to any other medical student. I was fortunate enough to go to two international conferences and present my work. The year has shown me that I enjoy research and would like to do some as part of my career.

Current Projects:

  • Assessment of arterial stiffness in stroke survivors, using the novel vicorder apparatus.
  • Age related changes in purinergic and cholinergic neurotransmission in urinary bladder and during ischaemia/reoxygenation.
  • Identifying circulating protein markers of carotid plaque instability and localisation on match tissue samples.
  • Hyperglycaemia and the vasculature; implications for the modulation of vascular tone and cardioprotection.
  • The role of autonomic modulation of action potential duration and calcium handling in arrhythmogenesis.
  • Urotensin II and urotensin related peptides in acute coronary syndromes
  • Clinical potential of novel ultrasound techniques for assessment of the biomechanical properties and dynamic behaviour of carotid plaque.
  • The role of vasoactive compounds in cardioprotection of ventricular tissue; implications for ischaemic preconditioning.
  • The ying and yang of antiphospholipid syndrome: understanding the thrombotic risk.
  • Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Improving sudden cardiac death risk assessment
  • Comparison of emboli detected ultrasonically during RF ablation and cardiac surgery.
  • The effect of high flow oxygen (normobaric hyperoxia) on cerebral blood flow and cerebral autoregulation in cerebrovascular disease.
  • How useful are frailty rating scales in predicting outcomes following admission to an acute medical unit.
     

Previous students have presented their work at national and international meetings and some have had their results published in scientific or medical journals.

For more information about possible Intercalated BSc projects in Cardiovascular Sciences, either approach potential supervisors directly or contact Dr Bob Norman or Dr Dave Lodwick who are members of the College Intercalated BSc Committee. Discussions between interested students and potential supervisors usually take place in the autumn term and applications (for the following September) are submitted in January. However, enquiries are welcome at any time.