From Biological Molecules to Electromagnetism

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Model the distribution of electric and magnetic fields in a material.
• Interpret simple models used to explain protein structure.
• Describe DNA and protein manipulation methods.
• Solve simple electromechanical problems.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The principles of molecular biology and biochemistry.
• The physical principles of electromagnetism underlying biomedical technologies.

Molecular biology and biochemistry

• The 3-dimensional structure of proteins and their function
• The structure and function of ion channels within cell membranes
• The principles behind recombinant DNA and protein technologies
• Introduction to neuronal signalling
• The non-energetic and structural roles of carbohydrates

Physical principles underlying medical technologies.

• Electric charge, electrostatics, potential and current
• Capacitance, resistance and biological sensing
• Magnetic fields and mass spectroscopy
• Inductance, magnetism of matter, and nuclear magnetic resonance.

The content of this module is delivered through lectures, the module website and directed reading.

Students work on their understanding through a combination of independent study and preparation for timetabled activities, along with formative assessments in the form of coursework assignments and specialist laboratories.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.