PHY2029 The Physics of Living Systems

2011-2012

Code: PHY2029
Level: 2
Title: The Physics of Living Systems
Instructors: Prof. C.P. Winlove
CATS Credit Value: 15
ECTS Credit Value: 7.5
Pre-requisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Duration: T2:01-11
Availability: unrestricted
Background Assumed: -

Total Student Study Time

150 hours, to include: 20×1-hour lectures; 2×1-hour problems classes; 44 hours directed self-study; 84 hours private study.

Aims

This module introduces student 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. It is intended give physics students a sound grasp of the interdisciplinary knowledge required to undertake biophysics projects at Stage 3/4.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

1. Module Specific Skills:
   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.
2. Discipline Specific Skills:
   1. interpret features of a complex system in terms of approximate/simplified models.
3. Personal Transferable Skills:
   1. ability to work in a multidisciplinary subject; in particular, in a medical context;
   2. sketch schematic diagrams to illustrate the relationships between system components.

Learning / Teaching Methods

Lectures, e-Learning resources (ELE PHY2029), and problems classes.

Assessment and Assignments

Contribution	Assessment/Assignment	Size (duration/length)	When
100%	Final examination	120 minutes	Term 3
Formative	Guided self-study	5×6-hour packages	Fortnightly
Formative	Problem Sets	4×4hrs	Fortnightly

Syllabus Plan and Content

1. Introduction
   Brief historical survey
2. Biomolecules
   1. Proteins
   2. Introductory biochemistry: amino acids and the peptide bond
   3. Physics of proteins
      1. Intra-and intermolecular interactions: electrostatic, hydrophobic, van der Waals
      2. Conformation and folding
      3. Functions: structural and transport
   4. Nucleic acids
      1. Introductory biochemistry
      2. Structure
      3. Dynamics, molecular motors
3. The Physics of Cells
   1. Introduction to cellular organisation and some unanswered questions
   2. The plasma membrane
      1. Functions
      2. Structure: the physical properties of phospholipids
      3. Mechanics
      4. Permeability
   3. The cytoskeleton
      1. Structure
      2. Functions: mechanics, transport and motility
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. The Physics of Perception
   1. Tactile perception
   2. The structure of the eye and ear
   3. Transduction of optical and acoustic signals

Core Text

Tortora G.J. and Derrickson B. (2005), Principles of Anatomy and Physiology (11^th edition), John Wiley, ISBN 0-471-71871-8 (UL: 612 TOR/X)

Supplementary Text(s)

Not applicable

IOP Accreditation Compliance Checklist

• Not applicable, this is an optional module.

Formative Mechanisms

Students monitor their own progress by attempting the problems set which will be discussed in class. Students who need additional guidance are encouraged to discuss the matter with the lecturer.

Evaluation Mechanisms

The module will be evaluated using information gathered via the student representation mechanisms, the staff peer appraisal scheme, and measures of student attainment based on summative assessment.