Department of Materials Science &
Engineering
Module Description 2012/13
Module Code: MAT2510
Module Title: Tissue Structure and
Function
Module Convenor: Dr G Reilly
Module Links: MAT1510, MAT6306
Credits: 10
Semester: 1
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: MAT1520
Brief Description (including aims of the course):
This course introduces students to the tissues of the human body. The pricipal tissues
that make up the body will be described including the cells, proteins and other
extracellular components that make up the tissue. The structure of the tissue will be
discussed in detail, in particular how it relates to its specific function in a healthy
human body. Basic anatomy - how tissues combine to create organs and where each
organ can be found in the human body will be studied. Practical classes on human
anatomy and histology will be used to demonstrate tissue structure. Finally, how
tissue damage cuases loss of function will be considered. This course should enable
students to understand enough about human tissues so that they can progress to
understanding how engineering techniques are used to support, monitor and repair
damaged human tissues.
This unit aims to provide a basic understanding of the anatomy of the human body
and the structure of the organs and tissues within the body, including knowledge of
which cells create each tissue and what proteins, sugars and lipids the cells synthesise
to make a functional tissue. The students should complete the course with enough
basic knowledge of tissues that they can understand where engineering strategies
are required to support, monitor and repair damaged tissues.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
•Describe the specific characteristics of the tissues of the human body;
•Identify organs and tissues from prosections and histological sections;
•Identify and describe the cells that make up a tissue and what intra and extracellular matrix substances they secrete;
•Discuss the link between a tissues' structure and its function;
•Demonstrate understanding of how trauma/ disease can impair tissue function.
Assessment:
Exam: 60%
Essay: 30%
Other: 10% Workbook
Booklist (A) Core Test; (B) Secondary Text; (C) Peripheral Reading:
Saladin Human Anatomy McGraw Hill