Department of Materials Science &
Engineering
Module Description 2012/13
Module Code: MAT1520
Module Title: Biology and Chemistry of
Living Systems
Module Convenor: Dr A J Devlin
Module Links:
Credits: 10
Semester: 2
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: MAT1510
Brief Description (including aims of the course):
MAT1520 provides in-depth knowledge of the biological systems that are core to the
Cell and Human Biology element of the courses Materials Science and Engineering
(Biomaterials) and Bioengineering . The following are included: protein structure
and bonding; enzyme action; the biological defences available at the cellular and
systems level to injury, infection and disease; hypersensitivity reactions to
biomaterials including dermatitis and oral lesions; blood and disorders of the
haematopoietic system; hard and soft tissue response to injury and materials; (some)
conditions that may lead to need of tissue replacement. A practical class covers light
microscopy, and hands-on cell staining techniques.
This unit aims to: Investigate the organisation of cells and tissues at the microscopic
level, particularly in relation to disease, injury etcetera in preparation for Level 2;
Investigate the structure and function of proteins and enzymes; Explore the biological
defences available at the cellular and systems level to injury, infection and materials;
Provide a detailed knowledge of blood, disorders of the haematopoietic system,
haemostasis and disorders of haemostasis; Provide an overview of the complicated
sequence of events involved in hard and soft tissue repair, and to explore how
materials are used to aid these processes.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Discuss the microscopic appearance of cells and tissues and relate these to
underlying disease processes (QAA 204 12/07);

Relate the structure and function of nucleic acids, proteins and enzymes to the
chemical properties of their building materials (QAA 204 12/07);

Demonstrate an appreciable knowledge of the immune system including
immunoglobulins, autoimmunity and hypersensitivity reactions;

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);

Have a knowledge and understanding of diseases of haematopoiesis and
haemostasis, and of the anaemias and leukaemias (QAA 204 12/07);

Demonstrate an appreciation of both hard and soft tissue responses to injury and
their ability for self repair and aided (by biomaterials) repair;

Demonstrate an appreciable knowledge of materials selection, including material
and processing methods (QAA 245 04/08);

Demonstrate an appreciable knowledge of appropriate biomaterials (QAA 245
04/08).
Assessment:
Exam: 75%
Practicals: 10%
Other: 15% (Poster)
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 08153-2791-7
(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