Study information

The Physics of Living Systems - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEThe Physics of Living Systems CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEPHY2029 MODULE CONVENERDr Alex Corbett (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 35
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Students are introduced to the basic physical concepts and principles required to understand and study living systems. . The module will cover topics like transport and conduction models, physics of perception, and population modelling. 
 
Module pre-requisites: PHY1024 or equivalent. 

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)

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge: 

1 

Learn how to model basic biological transport mechanisms 

2 

Apply elementary fluid mechanics to biological systems; 

3 

Explain the physical basis of perception; 

4 

Learn how to model the evolution of biological populations  

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge: 

5 

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

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge: 

6 

ability to work in a multidisciplinary subject; 

7 

sketch schematic diagrams to illustrate the relationships between system components. 

8 

Practice science communication via the generation of a pre-recorded presentation 

 

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

I. Introduction 

Brief historical survey 

 

II. Modelling transport mechanisms 

      1. Siple diffusion 

      2. Random Walks 

      3. Facilitated difusion 

 

III. Modelling Conduction mechanisms 

      1.  Cable equation 

      2.  Signal transmission 

      3.  Neural circuits 

 

IV. Physic of perception 

      1. Optics of the eye 

      2. Acoustics of the ear 

      3. Sensitivity limits 

      4. Data reduction 

 

V. Population modelling 

      1. Exponential rise and decay 

      2. Models of interaction and disease propagation 

      3. Emergent behaviour 

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 22 Guided Independent Study 128 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 22 hours 20×1-hour lectures and seminars
Guided independent study 30 hours self-study packages
Guided independent study 16 hours problem sets
Guided independent study 82 hours Reading, private study and revision

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Guided self-study 6-hour package 1-7 Discussion in class
4 × Problems set 4 hours per set 1-7 Solutions discussed in class

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Coursework – recorded presentation  40 15 minutes recorded video presentation  1-7,8 Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions 
Mid term Examination 40 60 minutes  1-7
Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Mid-term  examination (60%)  Mid-term  examination (60%)  1-7 Referral/deferral period
Coursework – recorded presentation (40%)  Coursework – recorded presentation (40%)  1-7,8  Referral/deferral period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment. 

  

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40% 

 

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
ELE

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Kuriyan, J., K. Boyana and D. Wemmer The Molecules of Life Taylor & Francis 2013 978-0-815-34188-8
Extended Caro, C.G., T. J. Pedley, R. C. Schroter and W. A. Seed The Mechanics of the Circulation 2nd edition OUP 2012 978-0521151771
Extended Ethier, C.R. and C. A. Simmons Introductory Biomechanics: From Cells to Organisms Cambridge 2007 978-0521841122
Extended Mather, G. Foundations of Sensation and Perception 2nd Psychology Press 2006 978-1-84169-699-7
Extended Phillips, R., J. Kondev and J. Theriot Physical Biology of the Cell 2nd edition Garland Science 2013 978-0815344506
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES PHY1024
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 5 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 12th March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 17th September 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Physics; Mechanics; Function; Physical; Systems; Structures; Tissues; Cells; Physical properties; Transport; Blood.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.