Description

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

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)

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

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

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:

• Not applicable

Supplementary texts:

• Alberts B. et al. (2017), Molecular Biology of the Cell (6^th edition), Garland, ISBN 978-1-317-56375-4
• Boal D.H. (2012), The Mechanics of the Cell (2^nd edition), Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0521796811
• Ethier C.R. and Simmons C.A. (2007), Introductory Biomechanics: From Cells to Organisms, Cambridge, ISBN 978-0521841122
• Levick J.R. (2010), An Introduction to Cardiovascular Physiology, Hodder Arnold, ISBN 978-1-444-16529-6
• Pruitt A.I. and Chakravartul A.M. (2011), Mechanics of Biomaterials: Fundamental Principles for Implant Design, , ISBN 978-0-511-97792-3
• Young H.D. and Freedman R.A. (2015), University Physics with Modern Physics (14^th edition), Pearson, ISBN 978-1-292-10031-9

ELE:

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/phy3061

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