Module manager: Dr Ralf Richter
Email: R.Richter@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Level 3 physics or equivalent
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Using physics to understand biological systems has been key to solving real-world problems, from designing better medical treatments to developing sustainable nanotechnology inspired by nature. Biological life does not break the laws of physics; instead, it harnesses them in remarkably sophisticated ways to create systems that can self-assemble, transport, harvest energy, send and detect signals including light, temperature, force, and electrical charge. This module will explore how physics is used to understand biological systems across length scales, from molecules and their nanoscale assemblies to cells and tissues. It will also explore the experimental techniques developed to analyse the physical properties of biological systems. Wherever possible the physics of the systems will be treated quantitatively making use of techniques and concepts acquired in foundational physics courses.
Provide students with the opportunity to consolidate their physics curriculum by applying physics knowledge to the study and mechanistic understanding of biological systems. Such education is relevant to a wide range of areas such as understanding disease, diagnostics, analytical techniques, new materials and devices, and energy.
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of:
1. Self-assembly and properties of soft biological matter
2. Mechanics across multiple length scales, from molecules to cells to tissues
3. Selectivity and recognition in biological systems
4. Movement, signals and noise in biological systems
5. Chlorophyll photophysics and solar energy capture
6. Biophysics of light harvesting proteins and membranes
• Applying physics to biology, and for applications in biomedicine, biomaterials and biotechnology
• Self-assembly and properties of soft biological matter
• Mechanics across multiple length scales, from molecules to cells to tissues
• Selectivity and recognition in biological systems
• Movement in biological systems
• Signals and noise in biological systems
• Chlorophyll photophysics and solar energy capture
• Biophysics of light harvesting proteins and membranes
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Lecture | 19 | 1 | 19 |
| Private study hours | 125 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 25 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Background reading and research, preparation of responses to question sheets for discussion in class
Regular question sheets, group-worked examples for discussion in class.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| In-course MCQ | Regular MCQ/SATA questions | 20 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 20 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs 30 Mins | 80 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 80 | |
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 the standard exam format.
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 09/05/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team