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.
Pre-requisite modules: PHY1021, PHY1024 and PHY2023 or equivalent modules.
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) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
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 - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
I. Introduction to cells, tissues and the extracellular matrix
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Proteoglycans
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Diffusion of solutes
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Hydraulic conductivity
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Poroelasticity
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Viscoelasticity
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Fibrous proteins
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Fibre composites
II. Cells
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Cell membranes
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Membrane proteins
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Cytoskeleton
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Cell mechanics
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Mechanotransduction
III. Tissues
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Cartilage
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Tendon and ligament
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Bone
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Muscle
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Blood and vessels
IV. Experimental models
V. Repair, replace, and regenerate