Module Details |
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module. |
Title | Physics of Life | ||
Code | PHYS482 | ||
Coordinator |
Prof P Weightman Physics Peterw@liverpool.ac.uk |
||
Year | CATS Level | Semester | CATS Value |
Session 2019-20 | Level 7 FHEQ | Second Semester | 7.5 |
Aims |
|
To introduce students to the physical principles needed to address important problems such as climate change, the loss of biodiversity, the understanding of ecological systems, the growth of resistance to antibiotics, the challenge of sustainable development and the study of disease. These problems offer excellent opportunities for rewarding careers. |
Learning Outcomes |
|
(LO1) An understanding of the conditions necessary for life to evolve in a universe. |
|
(LO2) An understanding of the thermodynamics and organization of living things. |
|
(LO3) Familiarity with physical techniques used in the study of biological systems and paleoclimatology. |
|
(LO4) An understanding of current ideas of how life may have evolved on earth. |
|
(LO5) An understanding of how the earth’s climate has varied over geological time. |
|
(S1) Problem solving skills |
Syllabus |
|
The Universe: Necessary conditions for life to evolve: Life on earth: The molecular basis of life: Physical techniques for studying biological systems: Thermodynamic considerations and self organisation in chemical systems: An introduction to chaos and complexity. The importance of information in biology: Summary of the major transitions in evolution: |
Teaching and Learning Strategies |
|
The course material specified in the syllabus will be covered in lectures. Teaching Method 1 - Lecture Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial |
Teaching Schedule |
Lectures | Seminars | Tutorials | Lab Practicals | Fieldwork Placement | Other | TOTAL | |
Study Hours |
16 |
2 |
18 | ||||
Timetable (if known) | |||||||
Private Study | 57 | ||||||
TOTAL HOURS | 75 |
Assessment |
||||||
EXAM | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
Assessment 1 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :2 | 90 minutes | 100 | ||||
CONTINUOUS | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
Recommended Texts |
|
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module. |