PHY2029 - Module Description

MODULE TITLE	The Physics of Living Systems					CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	PHY2029		MODULE CONVENER			Dr A. Corbett

DURATION	TERM	1	2	3	Number Students Taking Module (anticipated)		64
	WEEKS		T2:01-11

DESCRIPTION – summary of the module content (100 words)

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.

MODULE 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)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

describe the relationships between the physical properties of macromolecules and their biological functions;
describe the physical properties of cell membranes and organelles and their relationships to function;
apply solid mechanics to the structure and function of biological systems;
apply elementary fluid mechanics to biological systems;
describe nerve and muscle function and explain their physical;
explain the physical basis of perception;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

interpret features of a complex system in terms of approximate/simplified models;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

ability to work in a multidisciplinary subject; in particular, in a medical context;
sketch schematic diagrams to illustrate the relationships between system components.

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

Introduction
Brief historical survey
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
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
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
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
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
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 hours

Guided independent study

128 hours

Placement/study abroad

0 hours

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS