Courses / Modules / BIOM2009 Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Biomaterials

Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Biomaterials

When you'll study it: Semester 1
CATS points: 15
ECTS points: 7.5
Level: Level 5
Module lead: Chengchen Zhang
Academic year: 2025-26

Module overview

This module develops an understanding of the foundational principles of cell biology, delving into the cell structure, functions, and molecular processes, and diversity. Additionally, the course will introduce biomaterials, focusing on their types, properties, and applications. The module will also include details on how these principles are used in Biomedical Engineering applications with case study examples and laboratory sessions providing context and understanding of how this knowledge can be applied in the real world.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

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

Understand the fundamental structure and functions of cells and biomaterials
Understand the mechanisms and processes of cell communication and cell movement
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.
Establish connections between the principles of cell biology and biomaterials and their practical applications in the field of Biomedical Engineering.

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

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

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

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

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

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

Study time
Type	Hours
Lecture	36
Independent Study	106
Specialist Laboratory	8
Total study time	150

Assessment

Summative

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

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Exam	80%
Laboratory	20%