Study information

The Biophysics of Cells and Tissues - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEThe Biophysics of Cells and Tissues CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEPHY3061 MODULE CONVENERProf Jude Meakin (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 44
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module describes the fundamental physical properties of biomolecules, cells and tissues and introduces some of the biophysical and biomechanical challenges in understanding the behaviour of normal tissues and their failures in disease.

AIMS - intentions of the module

The physical properties of tissues and their constituent cells and biomolecules are central to their biological functions. Physical processes are also vital to normal growth and development and diseases, ranging from arthritis to cancer, may be related to failures in these processes.

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 physical consequences of the biochemical structure of extracellular and cytoskeletal macromolecules;
2. apply hydrodynamics and statistical physics to the problems of water and solute transport through polymer matrices;
3. use core physics knowledge to explain, and solve quantitative problems inspired by, the properties of cells and tissues and to construct
4. apply concepts from solid- and fluid-mechanics to membrane properties and processes;
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
5. use physics techniques in a multi-discplinary context;
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
6. undertake co-operative learning though peer-group discussions.
 
 
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
 
I. Introduction to cells, tissues and the extracellular matrix
  1. Proteoglycans
  2. Diffusion of solutes
  3. Hydraulic conductivity
  4. Poroelasticity
  5. Viscoelasticity
  6. Fibrous proteins
  7. Fibre composites
II. Cells
  1. Cell membranes
  2. Membrane proteins
  3. Cytoskeleton
  4. Cell mechanics
  5. Mechanotransduction
III. Tissues
  1. Cartilage
  2. Tendon and ligament
  3. Bone
  4. Muscle
  5. Blood and vessels
IV. Experimental models
V. Repair, replace, and regenerate
 

 

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 problem 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) 1-6 Discussion in class
4 × Problems sets (0%) 4 hours per set (fortnightly) 1-6
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% 2 hours 30 minutes (January) 1-6 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%) 1-6 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
Extended Alberts, B. et al Molecular Biology of the Cell 6th Garland 2017 978-1-317-56375-4
Extended Boal, D.H. The Mechanics of the Cell 2nd edition Cambridge University Press 2012 978-0521796811
Extended Ethier, C.R. and C. A. Simmons Introductory Biomechanics: From Cells to Organisms Cambridge 2007 978-0521841122
Extended Levick, J. R. An Introduction to Cardiovascular Physiology Hodder Arnold 2010 978-1-444-16529-6
Extended Pruitt, A. I. and A. M. Chakravartul Mechanics of Biomaterials: Fundamental Principles for Implant Design 2011 978-0-511-97792-3
Extended Young, H. D. and R. A. Freedman University Physics with Modern Physics 14th Pearson 2015 978-1-292-10031-9
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES PHY1021, PHY1024, PHY2023
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Monday 6th December 2021 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 26th January 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Physics; Placeholder; Main; Topic placeholder; Specific; Cells; Tissues placeholder; Tissues; Specific skill; Biophysics

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