MODULE TITLE

The Biophysics of Cells and Tissues

 

CREDIT VALUE

15

MODULE CODE

PHY3061

MODULE CONVENER

Prof. J.R. Meakin

 

 

DURATION

TERM

1

2

3

Number Students Taking Module (anticipated)

44

WEEKS

T1:01-11

 

DESCRIPTION – summary of the module content (100 words)

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.

MODULE 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)

 On successful completion of this module you 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:

  1. use physics techniques in a multi-discplinary context;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

  1. undertake co-operative learning though peer-group discussions.

SYLLABUS PLAN – summary of the structure and academic content of the module

  1. 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
  2. Cells
    1. Cell membranes
    2. Membrane proteins
    3. Cytoskeleton
    4. Cell mechanics
    5. Mechanotransduction
  3. Tissues
    1. Cartilage
    2. Tendon and ligament
    3. Bone
    4. Muscle
    5. Blood and vessels
  4. Experimental models
  5. Repair, replace, and regenerate

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING

 

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities  

22 hours

Guided independent study  

128 hours

Placement/study abroad

0 hours

 

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 the assessment e.g. duration/length

ILOs assessed

Feedback method

Guided self-study

5×6-hour packages

1-6

Discussion in class

4 × Problems sets

4 hours per set

1-6

Solutions discussed in problems classes.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework

0%

Written exams

100%

Practical exams

0%

 

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment

 

% of credit

Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length

 ILOs assessed 

Feedback method

Final Examination

100%

2 hours 30 minutes

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 NOTES  

See Physics Assessment Conventions.

 

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.

Core text:

  • Not applicable

Supplementary texts:

ELE:

CREDIT VALUE

15

ECTS VALUE

7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES

Vector Mechanics (PHY1021), Properties of Matter (PHY1024) and Thermal Physics (PHY2023)

CO-REQUISITE MODULES

none

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)

6

AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING

NO

ORIGIN DATE

01-Oct-10

LAST REVISION DATE

N/A

KEY WORDS SEARCH

Physics; Placeholder; Main; Topic placeholder; Specific; Cells; Tissues placeholder; Tissues; Specific skill; Biophysics; .

Module Descriptor Template Revised October 2011