2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
PHYS3523 Bionanophysics
15 creditsClass Size: 75
Module manager: Dr Neil Thomson
Email: N.H.Thomson@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
Pre-requisite qualifications
Level 2 Physics or equivalent.This module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of:1. Structure, mechanics and physical properties of biomolecules
2. Origins of molecular forces and self-assembly of biomolecular systems
3. Energy at the nanoscale and thermodynamics of biomolecules and their assemblies
4. Dynamics and kinetics of biomolecular systems (e.g. diffusion, phase separation, molecular motors)
5. Biophysical techniques for studying biomolecular systems (e.g. electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, optical techniques, nanopores etc.)
6. Biomolecular systems in emerging applications of bionanotechnology
Learning outcomes
At the end of the module, students should be able to:
1. Make effective use of physics skills and knowledge to applications in Bionanophysics.
2. Collate and organise information from the published scientific literature
3. Problem solve in bionanophysics
4. Write about complex topics in bionanophysics
5. Critically analyse research literature
Syllabus
The course will be taught by three lecturers in individual section topics, with common concepts linking the sections.
I. THE BIONANOPHYSICS OF NUCLEIC ACIDS: Molecular forces, structure and behaviour of DNA as a polymer, scanning probe microscopes, DNA molecular motors, nanopore technologies, DNA sequencing.
II. THE BIONANOPHYSICS OF PROTEINS & CARBOHYDRATES: Protein structure, Proteins as bionanomachines, Protein thermodynamic stability,
Protein mechanical stability, Protein (un)folding and bonds, Molecular motors, Carbohydrate structure and mechanical properties.
III. THE BIONANOPHYSICS OF CELL MEMBRANES: Lipid structure, the thermodynamics of lipid self-assembly, chemical forces, lateral organisation and phase separation, critical behaviour and lipid raft dynamics, membrane curvature and mechanics, bionano applications.
The course will make use of original scientific material published in high-profile journals
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Drop-in Session | 6 | 1.00 | 6.00 |
| Lecture | 22 | 1.00 | 22.00 |
| Private study hours | 122.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 28.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Private study
Reading lecture notes and recommended journal articles. Problem solving.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Regular online quizzes using MCQ and SATA (x3 per topic: 9 Total)Example problems in lectures/workshops
One to one discussion with lecturers in open office sessions.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Online Assessment | Regular MCQ/SATA Questions | 30.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 30 mins | 70.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70.00 | |
Students will have to complete an in-person exam at the end of the module. This will take place during the examinations period at the end of the semester and will be time bound. Resits will be in standard exam format.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 28/04/2023 14:55:13
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