Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Biomaterials

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

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

• Understand the mechanisms and processes of cell communication and cell movement
• Understand the fundamental structure and functions of cells and biomaterials
• Establish connections between the principles of cell biology and biomaterials and their practical applications in the field of Biomedical Engineering.
• Understand the cell cycle, cell ageing and death, cell specialisation and differentiation
• Explore the applications of biomaterials in healthcare and understand the regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations governing the development and usage of biomaterials in healthcare.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Be able to analyse and present data.
• Understand how to work safely in a laboratory and put this into practise
• Develop team-based skills in working in a laboratory in a small group.

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Learn how to set up and conduct mechanical test
• Know how to use a haemocytometer to count cells
• Know how to prepare slides of biological samples
• Know how to prepare biomaterial samples
• Know how to safely set up a compound microscope and observe biological structures using and appropriate magnification.

Introduction to cell biology:

• Cell communication and signalling
• Cell cycle and division
• Cell movement and cytoskeleton dynamics
• Cell differentiation and specialisation
• Cell death and aging

Introduction to biomaterials:

• Material science and engineering principles
• Biomaterials in healthcare

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

• Biological responses to biomaterials
• Regulatory and ethical aspects

Connect cell biology and biomaterials to Biomedical Engineering

Teaching and learning methods

The course will be delivered through 3 blocks with a combination of 36 standard lectures and 2 practical sessions.

Summative

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