Study information

The Physics of Living Systems - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEThe Physics of Living Systems CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEPHY2029 MODULE CONVENERDr Alex Corbett (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 64
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
Students are introduced to the basic physical concepts and principles required to understand and study living systems. A synthetic approach is adopted: molecules-cells-tissue, emphasising the contributions of physics and the outstanding challenges. It starts at the molecular level and works up the scale of size and complexity to cover several major systems found in complex organisms.
 
AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims give physics students a sound grasp of the interdisciplinary knowledge required to undertake biophysics projects at Stage 3/4.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
A student who has passed this module should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1. describe the relationships between the physical properties of macromolecules and their biological functions;
2. describe the physical properties of cell membranes and organelles and their relationships to function;
3. apply solid mechanics to the structure and function of biological systems;
4. apply elementary fluid mechanics to biological systems;
5. describe nerve and muscle function and explain their physical;
6. explain the physical basis of perception;
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
7. interpret features of a complex system in terms of approximate/simplified models;
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
8. ability to work in a multidisciplinary subject; in particular, in a medical context;
9. sketch schematic diagrams to illustrate the relationships between system components.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
I. Introduction
Brief historical survey
II. Biomolecules
  1. Proteins
  2. Introductory biochemistry: amino acids and the peptide bond
  3. Physics of proteins
    • Intra-and intermolecular interactions: electrostatic, hydrophobic, van der Waals
    • Conformation and folding
    • Functions: structural and transport
  4. Nucleic acids
    • Introductory biochemistry
    • Structure
    • Dynamics, molecular motors
III. The Physics of Cells
  1. Introduction to cellular organisation and some unanswered questions
  2. The plasma membrane
    • Functions
    • Structure: the physical properties of phospholipids
    • Mechanics
    • Permeability
  3. The cytoskeleton
    • Structure
    • Functions: mechanics, transport and motility
IV. Biological Solid Mechanics
  1. The structure of tissues
  2. The mechanics of the extracellular matrix
  3. Soft tissue mechanics, e.g. cartilage
  4. Bone biomechanics
  5. Mechanics in tissue growth and remodelling
V. Biological Fluid Mechanics
  1. The rheology of blood
  2. Blood flow in the heart and large vessels
  3. Blood flow in the microcirculation
  4. Flow in the lymphatic system
  5. Respiratory gas transport and heat exchange
  6. Mucus rheology
VI. The Physics of Nerve and Muscle Function
  1. Generation and propagation of the action potential in nerves
  2. Synaptic transmission
  3. Muscle contraction: an introduction to molecular motors
VII. The Physics of Perception
  1. Tactile perception
  2. The structure of the eye and ear
  3. Transduction of optical and acoustic signals
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 22 Guided Independent Study 128 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 20 hours 20×1-hour lectures
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 2 hours 2×1-hour problems/revision classes
Guided independent study 30 hours 5×6-hour self-study packages
Guided independent study 16 hours 4×4-hour problems sets
Guided independent study 82 hours Reading, private study and revision

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Guided self-study (0%) 5×6-hour packages (fortnightly) 1-9 Discussion in class
4 × Problems set (0%) 4 hours per set (fortnightly) 1-9 Solutions discussed in problems classes.
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 0 Written Exams 100 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Final Examination 100% 120 minutes (May/June assessment period) 1-9
Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions.
 
         
         
         
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Whole module Written examination (100%) 1-9 August/September assessment period

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
An original assessment that is based on both examination and coursework, tests, etc., is considered as a single element for the purpose of referral; i.e., the referred mark is based on the referred examination only, discounting all previous marks. In the event that the mark for a referred assessment is lower than that of the original assessment, the original higher mark will be retained.
 
Physics Modules with PHY Codes
Referred examinations will only be available in PHY3064, PHYM004 and those other modules for which the original assessment includes an examination component - this information is given in individual module descriptors.
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
ELE:
 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Kuriyan, J., K. Boyana and D. Wemmer The Molecules of Life Taylor & Francis 2013 978-0-815-34188-8
Extended Caro, C.G., T. J. Pedley, R. C. Schroter and W. A. Seed The Mechanics of the Circulation 2nd edition OUP 2012 978-0521151771
Extended Ethier, C.R. and C. A. Simmons Introductory Biomechanics: From Cells to Organisms Cambridge 2007 978-0521841122
Extended Mather, G. Foundations of Sensation and Perception 2nd Psychology Press 2006 978-1-84169-699-7
Extended Phillips, R., J. Kondev and J. Theriot Physical Biology of the Cell 2nd edition Garland Science 2013 978-0815344506
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES PHY1024
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 5 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Monday 6th December 2021 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 26th January 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Physics; Mechanics; Function; Physical; Systems; Structures; Tissues; Cells; Physical properties; Transport; Blood.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.