PHY2029 2013-2014 - Module Description

PHY2029	The Physics of Living Systems	2013-14
	Dr P.G. Petrov

Delivery Weeks:	T2:01-11
Level:	5 (NQF)
Credits:	15 NICATS / 7.5 ECTS
Enrolment:	30 students (approx)

Description

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.

Module Aims

This module pre-dates the current template; refer to the description above and the following ILO sections.

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:
1. interpret features of a complex system in terms of approximate/simplified models;
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
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.

Syllabus Plan

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

Description	Study time	KIS type
20×1-hour lectures	20 hours	SLT
2×1-hour problems/revision classes	2 hours	SLT
5×6-hour self-study packages	30 hours	GIS
4×4-hour problems sets	16 hours	GIS
Reading, private study and revision	82 hours	GIS

Assessment

Weight	Form	Size	When	ILOS assessed	Feedback
0%	Guided self-study	5×6-hour packages	Fortnightly	1-9	Discussion in class
0%	4 × Problems sets	4 hours per set	Fortnightly	1-9	Solutions discussed in problems classes.
100%	Final Examination	120 minutes	May/June assessment period	1-9	Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions.

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:

Tortora G.J. and Derrickson B. (2011), Principles of Anatomy and Physiology (13^th edition), John Wiley, ISBN 978-0-470-92429-7 (UL: 612 TOR/X)

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 (UL: 612.1181 MEC)
Cotterill R. (2002), Biophysics: An Introduction, Wiley, ISBN 978-0471485384 (UL: 571.4 COT)
Daune M. (1999), Molecular Biophysics: Structures in Motion, Oxford, ISBN 978-0198577829 (UL: On Order)
Ethier C.R. and Simmons C.A. (2007), Introductory Biomechanics: From Cells to Organisms, Cambridge, ISBN 978-0521841122 (UL: On Order)
Fung Y.C. (1993), Biomechanics: the mechanics of living tissues (2^nd edition), Springer, ISBN 978-0387979472 (UL: On order)
Philips R., Kondev J. and Theriot J. (2008), Physical Biology of the Cell, Garland Science, ISBN 978-0815341635 (UL: On order)
Sneppen K. and Zocchi G. (2005), Physics in Molecular Biology, Cambridge, ISBN 978-0-521-84419-2 (UL: On order)

ELE:

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

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Pre-requisite Modules	none
Co-requisite Modules	none

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when 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%)	1-9	August/September assessment period

Notes: See Physics Assessment Conventions.

KIS Data Summary

Learning activities and teaching methods
SLT - scheduled learning & teaching activities	22 hrs
GIS - guided independent study	128 hrs
PLS - placement/study abroad	0 hrs
Total	150 hrs

Summative assessment
Coursework	0%
Written exams	100%
Practical exams	0%
Total	100%

Miscellaneous

IoP Accreditation Checklist	Not applicable, this is an optional module.
Availability	unrestricted
Distance learning	NO
Keywords	Physics; Mechanics; Function; Physical; Systems; Structures; Tissues; Cells; Physical properties; Transport; Blood.
Created	01-Oct-10
Revised	01-Oct-11