Module One

RISK AND THE HEART

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

This module should be read in conjunction with the Programme of Study.

The Programme of Study lists the topics that are in the module and gives you the relevant page references for your textbook. This module aims to give you more direction as you work through the various topics. It will aim to highlight the most important items in the topic, as well as areas that need particular care. It will also point you towards the resources you should be using.

Remember to double-check the syllabus to make sure you cover all the items that you need to.

Module Overview Icon.png Module Overview

Here you will be studying the circulatory system, with focus on the gross structures such as blood vessels and the heart. The cardiac cycle is a very important topic, and will be revisited later in the course, with more detail added.

There is a lot of new vocabulary in this topic, particularly with the cardiac cycle and the order in which blood flows through different vessels, valves and chambers. Make sure you know what function each side of the heart performs, what the different blood vessels are called, and what valves do – it helps to think in terms of pressure. If the pressure behind a valve is high, it will push it open. If pressure is high in front of the valve, the valve has to resist it to prevent backflow.

You will also be studying atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and how the risk of different lifestyle factors is perceived by the public. Make sure you know how atherosclerosis happens (writing it out in a bullet pointed sequence can be helpful), and how risks can be managed (this kind of topic may be better revised using a mind map).

Activities Icon.png Pre-requisite Knowledge

EXPLORE – General Resources

  • You won’t need all of these resource materials now, but it’s worth knowing what’s there for later reference.
  • Use your IGCSE textbook to review any aspects of this that you cannot recall (BBC Bitesize is also a good resource here).
  • Is there any area of weakness? If there is, ask your tutor for help.

Topics Icon.png Topics

Topic One (1.1): Transport Around the Body

Topic Two (1.2): The Heart and Health