Department of Materials Science &
Engineering
Module Description 2012/13
Module Code: MAT2530
Module Title: Biology and Chemistry of
Living Systems II
Module Convenor: Dr A J Devlin
Module Links:
Credits: 10
Semester: 1
Pre-requisites: MAT1510, MAT1520
Co-requisites: None
Brief Description (including aims of the course):
This course builds on the knowledge gained in MAT1520 and expands the range of biological
systems covered that are core to the Cell and Human Biology element of the Materials
Science and Engineering (Biomaterials) and Bioengineering courses. The following are
included: the extracellular matrix; cell adhesion and spreading; cell communication and
signalling; cytokines and HIV: complement activation and development of new biomaterials to
improve biocompatibility; toxicity and toxicology including information on mutagenic effects,
teratomas, carcinogens and neurotoxicity; classification of tumours, spread of tumours and
clinical relevance. Two practical classes cover hands-on in vitro cell culture and toxicity
testing of biomaterials. This unit aims to: Further investigate (following on from MAT1510) the
extracellular matrix and its many functions; Investigate cell adhesion and spreading and how
they are influenced by the physico-chemical characteristics of the underlying substrata;
Provide an introduction to cell communication and cell-signalling, including information on
hormones, local mediators, contact-dependent signalling molecules, and neurotransmitters;
Further explore (following on from MAT1520) the biological defences available at the cellular
and systems level to injury, infection and materials; Provide a detailed knowledge of toxicity
and toxicology, including information on mutagenic effects, teratomas, carcinogens and
neurotoxicity.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, you should be able to:

Have a detailed knowledge and understanding of cell structure and function at the
molecular level (QAA 204 12/07); Discuss the principles and practice of cell culture and
understand the requirement for good quality aseptic techniques; Apply skills in the safe-
handling of chemical materials, taking into account their physical and chemical properties
including any specific hazards associated with their use (QAA 186 09/07);

Demonstrate an appreciable knowledge of appropriate biomaterials (QAA 245 04/08);
Illustrate the molecular mechanisms involved in regulating homeostasis (QAA 204 12/07);
Demonstrate an appreciable knowledge of the immune system including cytokines, and
complement; Have a detailed knowledge of innate and acquired immunity and of the
regulation of immune responses, and be able to discuss specific examples (QAA 204
12/07);

Appreciate the significance of histocompatibility antigens and their role in rejection
reactions involving allografts (QAA 204 12/07); Discuss the principles of toxicology and
the practice of toxicity testing; Explain how mutations in DNA can give rise to the
pathological changes seen in some diseases and how these mutations may be inherited
(QAA 204 12/07).
Assessment:
Exam: 90%
Practicals: 10%
Booklist (A) Core Test; (B) Secondary Text; (C) Peripheral Reading:
(A) E N Marieb. Human Anatomy and Physiology (6th edition), (Addison Wesley Longman).
ISBN 0-8053-4989-8
(B) B Alberts, D Bray, A Johnson, J Lewis, M Raff, K Roberts, P Walker. Essential Cell Biology: An
Introduction to the Molecular Biology of the Cell, (Garland). ISBN 0-8153-2791-7
(B) B D Ratner, F J Schoen, J E Lemons. Biomaterials Science: An Introduction to Materials in
Medicine, (Academic Press). ISBN 0-12-582460-2
UK-SPEC Learning Outcomes
Please insert an 'x' in the table below against all learning outcomes that are delivered
in the module. N.B. The suffix 'm' indicates learning outcomes that are characteristic
of the enhanced outcomes expected of MENG graduates.
LEARNING
OUTCOME
DESCRIPTION
US1
Knowledge & understanding of scientific
BENG MENG
principles & methodology necessary to
underpin their education in their
engineering discipline, to enable
appreciation of its scientific and
engineering context, & to support their
understanding of the historical, current &
future developments and technologies
Underpinning Science & Mathematics
US1m
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
A comprehensive understanding of the
scientific principles of own specialisation &
related disciplines
US2
Knowledge & understanding of
mathematical principles necessary to
underpin their education in their
engineering discipline and to enable them
to apply mathematical methods, tools &
notations proficiently in the analysis &
solution of engineering problems
US2m
An awareness of developing technologies
related to own specialisation
US3
Ability to apply & integrate knowledge &
understanding of other engineering
disciplines to support study of their own
engineering discipline
US3m
A comprehensive knowledge &
understanding of mathematical & computer
models relevant to the engineering
discipline, and an appreciation of their
limitations
US4m
An understanding of concepts from a range
of areas including some outside
engineering, and the ability to apply them
effectively in engineering projects
E1
x
x
x
x
Understanding of engineering principles
and the ability to apply them to analyse key
engineering processes
E1m
An ability to use fundamental knowledge to
investigate new & emerging technologies
E2
Ability to identify, classify and describe the
performance of systems & components
Engineering Analysis
through the use of analytical methods &
modelling techniques
E2m
Ability to apply mathematical & computerbased models for solving problems in
engineering, & the ability to assess the
limitations of particular cases
E3
Ability to apply quantitative methods &
computer software relevant to their
engineering discipline, in order to solve
engineering problems
E3m
Ability to extract data pertinent to an
unfamiliar problem, & apply in its solution
using computer-based engineering tools
when appropriate
E4
Understanding of & ability to apply a
systems approach to engineering problems
D1
Investigate & define a problem & identify
constraints including environmental &
Design
sustainability limitations, health & safety &
risk assessment issues
D1m
Wide knowledge & comprehensive
understanding of design processes &
methodologies & the ability to apply &
adapt them in unfamiliar situations
D2
Understand customer & user needs & the
importance of considerations such as
aesthetics
D2m
Ability to generate an innovative design for
products, systems, components or
processes to fulfil new needs
D3
Identify & manage cost drivers
D4
Use creativity to establish innovative
solution
D5
Ensure fitness for purpose for all aspects of
the problem including production,
operation, maintenance & disposal
D6
Manage the design process & evaluate
outcomes
S1
Knowledge & understanding of commercial
& economic context of engineering
processes
S1m
Extensive knowledge & understanding of
Economic, Social & Environmental Context
management & business practices, & their
limitations, & how these may be applied
appropriately
S2
Knowledge of management techniques,
which may be used to achieve engineering
objectives within that context
S2m
The ability to make general evaluations of
commercial risks through some
understanding of the basis of such risks
S3
Understanding of the requirement for
engineering activities to promote
sustainable development
S4
Awareness of the framework of relevant
legal requirements governing engineering
activities, including personnel, health,
safety, & risk (including environmental risk)
issues
S5
x
x
x
x
Understanding of the need for a high level
of professional & ethical conduct in
engineering
P1
Knowledge of characteristics of particular
materials, equipment, processes, or
products
x
x
appreciation of likely new developments
x
x
P2
Workshop & laboratory skills
x
x
P2m
Extensive knowledge & understanding of a
x
x
x
x
P1m
A thorough understanding of current
practice & its limitations, & some
Engineering Practice
wide range of engineering materials &
components
P3
Understanding of contexts in which
engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g.
operations & management, technology
development, etc)
P3m
Ability to apply engineering techniques
taking account of a range of commercial &
industrial constraints
P4
Understanding use of technical literature &
other information sources
P5
Awareness of nature of intellectual property
& contractual issues
P6
Understanding of appropriate codes of
practice & industry standards
P7
Awareness of quality issues
P8
Ability to work with technical uncertainty