Unit information: Biophysics 321 in 2022/23

Unit name	Biophysics 321
Unit code	PHYS31211
Credit points	10
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Professor. McManus
Open unit status	Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)	First and second year core and classical physics units.
Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)	None
Units you may not take alongside this one	None
School/department	School of Physics
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Unit Information

The role of Physics in the study of fundamental biological problems has a long and rich history; from the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA to cutting-edge diffraction-breaking microscopy techniques, the questions asked in the life sciences often find their answers in Physics. This unit will address the links between these disciplines and provide students with knowledge of biological concepts; how these concepts can be addressed using a Physics-based approach and exposure to a wide range of techniques commonly applied to the study of biological molecules, cells and organisms. The aims of the course are: to introduce students to the subject of biophysics; to introduce the study of biological systems from a physics perspective; to expose students to a range of techniques with a physics basis that can be used in the study of biological structures, systems and processes.

Your learning on this unit

By the end of this unit students will:

• have a basic understanding of cell and molecular biology and how this can be related to concepts previously met in Physics
• be aware of the energy requirements and thermodynamics of biological systems; be aware of rates of reactions in biology and describe the kinetics of biological systems
• be aware of the forces and mechanical properties inherent in biological systems and how these inform biological function
• be aware of a range of techniques commonly applied in experimental biophysics, which have a basis in Physics and how they are used for understanding biological structure and function. These may include examples from Xray crystallography and scattering, and neutron scattering; fluorescence techniques; microscopy; scanning probe microscopy techniques; optical tweezers
• be able to describe the theory and application of at least two biophysical techniques in detail and show how they can be applied to solving a biological problem
• be able to synthesise this knowledge to produce a review article which draws together knowledge of a protein, its role within the cell, the relationship between its structure and function and a technique (or techniques) used to study it.

How you will learn

The unit will be taught through a combination of

• asynchronous online materials, including narrated presentations and worked examples
• synchronous group problems classes, workshops, tutorials and/or office hours
• asynchronous directed individual formative exercises and other exercises
• guided, structured reading

How you will be assessed

There is a project to be completed, with a 1000 word report (30% of the unit mark) and written, timed examination (70% of the unit mark).

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHYS31211).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.