Description

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

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)

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

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

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Assessment

Resources

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).

Core text:

• Kuriyan J., Boyana K. and Wemmer D. (2013), The Molecules of Life, Taylor & Francis, ISBN 978-0-815-34188-8

Supplementary texts:

• Caro C.G., Pedley T.J., Schroter R.C. and Seed W.A. (2012), The Mechanics of the Circulation (2^nd edition), OUP, ISBN 978-0521151771
• Ethier C.R. and Simmons C.A. (2007), Introductory Biomechanics: From Cells to Organisms, Cambridge, ISBN 978-0521841122
• Mather G. (2006), Foundations of Sensation and Perception (2^nd edition), Psychology Press, ISBN 978-1-84169-699-7
• Phillips R., Kondev J. and Theriot J. (2013), Physical Biology of the Cell (2^nd edition), Garland Science, ISBN 978-0815344506

ELE:

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/phy2029

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Re-assessment

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

Notes: See Physics Assessment Conventions.

KIS Data Summary

Miscellaneous