Course Catalogue

Biophysics of Cells and Systems 4 ENG4181

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Engineering
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course provides later year undergraduate and MSc engineering students with the basic knowledge required for biomedical engineering.  The course is broadly divided into two halves.  In the first, the students gain an understanding of the structure and function of cells and tissues and the generation of electrical signals in cells.  In the second part of the course, the students are introduced to the basic concepts of biomedical engineering including fluid mechanics, imaging modalities and sensors.

Timetable

2 lectures per week

Seminars, tutorials and lab session

Requirements of Entry

Mandatory Entry Requirements

None

Recommended Entry Requirements

None

Excluded Courses

ENG1031 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering

ENG5281 Biophysics of Cells and Systems M is this right? ENG5308?

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Examination 70%

Laboratory 10% on biocompatibility.

Group presentations on imaging, sensing, biofluids or biocompatbility (SCL) 20%.

Main Assessment In: December

Course Aims

The aims of this course are to:

■ introduce engineering students to the structure and function of DNA and RNA and the basis by which genetic information is encoded within our genes;

■ introduce engineering students to the structure and function of proteins and the basis by which genetic information encoded within our genes leads to protein expression;

■ introduce engineering students to the structure of membranes, cells and tissues;

■ introduce engineering students to the role of the membrane in the generation and transmission of the action potential;

■ describe the nervous system and how muscular contraction and reflex responses occur;

■ describe the sensory organs including the eye and the ear;

■ describe the vascular system and the unique role of fluids in the body;

■ introduce imaging methods to visualise healthy and diseased cells and tissues.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ evaluate the relationship between the structure and function of DNA and RNA and how they encode for proteins;

■ evaluate the relationship between the structure and function of proteins and explain how they are encoded by the genetic code;

■ apply the knowledge of the molecular structure and function of DNA, RNA and proteins to explain the basis of healthy cells and disease;

■ apply the basic principles underlying the structure of the cell membrane and proteins to describe the nature of electrical excitability in cells;

■ describe the basis of the nervous system in the context of muscle contraction and the reflex response;

■ apply the knowledge of the structure and function of the eye and the ear to explain the sensory function of these organs;

■ evaluate the relationship between the role of biological fluids and their function in the context of their mechanical properties;

■ apply the knowledge of imaging methods to describe techniques to visualise healthy and diseased cells and tissues.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions