Vascular Development, Function and Disease

Course manual 2025/2026

Course content

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of hospitalizations and death globally. In spite of many years of research we are still far from effective curing strategies. It is essential that we better understand the fundamental biology of the cardiovascular system and the mechanisms underlying its malfunction. Only then can we develop new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.

This four-week course is part of the Cardiovascular Sciences track and focusses on research relevant to vascular function and cardiovascular diseases. The first week deals with the development, structure, composition and function of the vascular system, and the basic aspects of the circulation as well as thrombosis and hemostasis. This provides the basis for the subsequent three weeks focusing on the different forms of vascular disease and dysfunction, and the consequences for organ function. These weeks start with a state-of-the-art lecture providing the clinical context for the subsequent lectures, assignments and visits to labs and clinical facilities. Week two focusses on the mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis, looking at the role of cholesterol metabolism, the immune system and epigenetics. The cellular mechanisms involved in vascular ageing, pulmonary hypertension and aneurysms are the subjects of week three. This week will also deal with coronary artery disease and imaging using cardiac MRI. In the final week the emphasis is on metabolic syndrome, diabetes and kidney function in cardiovascular disease.

Study materials

Literature

• Papers posted on Canvas

Syllabus

• Hand-outs

Other

• PowerPoint presentations of lectures

Objectives

• describe the development and structure of the vasculature
• describe the structure and function of the vascular endothelium in development, health, disease and ageing
• calculate pressure-flow relationships of a vascular tree
• describe the mechanisms of thrombosis and hemostasis
• explain the complexity of the many factors involved in atherosclerosis
• describe the development of pulmonary hypertension and its consequences
• describe the process and consequences of aneurysm formation
• describe the vascular aspects of metabolic syndrome and diabetes
• discuss the current challenges in fundamental vascular research
• apply knowledge of state-of-the-art techniques to design research strategies

Teaching methods

• Lecture
• Self-study
• Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis
• lab visits
• Fieldwork/excursion
• Presentation/symposium

Learning activities

Attendance

Assessment

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Additional information

All lectures, assignments and lab visits are by members of the Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences institute (ACS). These researchers are experts on the topics of a particular week. The majority of lectures and lab visits will be at the AMC, but occasionally also at VUMC.

Contact information

Coordinator

• prof. dr. P.L. Hordijk