Mechanisms of Cardiac Health and Disease

Course goals

After completion of the course, the student:
-    has acquired in-depth knowledge of the molecular, cellular, and (patho)physiological mechanisms underlying cardiovascular health and diseases;
-    is able to critically read and interpret literature from the cardiovascular research field;
-    is able to constructively provide and apply feedback from a scientific perspective (content-driven) and a collaborative perspective (person-driven);
-    is able to identify a relevant research question and to develop a well-designed research strategy accordingly:
-    is familiar with principles of scientific integrity, reproducibility, translatability, and transparency within cardiovascular research;
-    is able to identify stakeholders of the cardiovascular research field and involve relevant stakeholders into their own research work;
-    is able to communicate about cardiovascular research to various types of audiences;
-    has a good understanding of the research topics, techniques, and model systems of cardiovascular research performed in Utrecht.

Content

Period (from-till): 19 October - 13 November 2026 (BMS_P1_A)

Faculty
Saskia de Jager (course coordinator)

Course description
This course is part of the mandatory coursework of the programme Cardiovascular Health and Disease. This coursework is designed to prepare students for a future career as a cardiovascular researcher by equipping them with the essential knowledge, skills, and professional mindset required in the field.

In the course Mechanisms of Cardiac Health and Disease, students will gain a deep understanding of the molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms that underlie cardiac diseases such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathies. Students will explore key mechanisms, model systems, and methodologies within this research field, with a focus on work conducted in Utrecht. Through critical engagement with the scientific literature, students will learn to formulate research questions, design robust research strategies, and navigate the broader ecosystem of stakeholders in the cardiovascular field. The course also focuses on developing essential communication skills, enabling students to effectively present and discuss their research with both scientific and non-specialist audiences. Collaborative learning is fostered through constructive feedback exercises, promoting both content expertise and interpersonal growth.

Finally, the course introduces students to the research community within the Cardiovascular Health and Disease programme in Utrecht.

Registration
Cardiovascular Health and Disease students will be enrolled automatically. Other students can register for this course via Osiris Student. More information about the registration procedure can be found here on the Students' site. Max 45 participants.

Literature/study material used
NA

Mandatory for students in own Master’s programme:
Yes

Optional for students in other GSLS Master’s programme:
Yes