This module introduces the importance of cellular mechanobiology i.e. the effects of mechanics on the function, response and pathophysiological progression of cells. This module will provide the student with an understanding of the mechanical forces have in regulating cell development and homeostasis and how it leads to changes at the tissue level. The module will review the fundamentals of cell biology i.e., cell structure, organisation, and mechanics. The module will examine cellular structures including the organelles, cytoskeleton, molecular motors and key cellular processes including cell adhesion, and motility. The module will introduce the concepts of cell signalling, mechanosensing, mechanotransduction and intracellular signalling. The student will gain an insight into solid and fluid mechanics and how basic equations can be used to study cell mechanobiology. This knowledge will provide the foundations of how cell mechanobiology plays a role in disease progression and how medical devices can be improved when taking into account cell mechanobiology. Finally, the module will present new technologies in studying cell mechanobiology of specific cell types. These technologies will include confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, cell impedance, western blot, PCR, and proteomics. The module will use extensive reading of primary literature and reviews to embed the knowledge of techniques, capabilities, and challenges in the area.

Introduction of Cell Mechanobiology: History of Cell Mechanobiology, Intro to Mechanobiology (cellular and molecular), and the role of mechanobiology in Biomechanics and Medical Devices. Fundamentals in Cell Biology: Types of Cells (e.g., cardiovascular, bone, nervous system), Cell Structure (specific to mechanobiology and signalling), Cell organisation/cytoskeleton, and Cell Membrane. Cell communication: Cell Signalling and Trafficking, Signal Transduction and cell communication, Cell Signalling pathways, and Receptor biochemistry. Cellular Mechanotransduction: Mechanical Signals, Mechanosensing, Intracellular Signalling, and the role of tissue structure in cell mechanobiology. Cell Mechanics: Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, and Cell Adhesion, Migration, and Contraction. Effect of Diseases on Cell Mechanobiology:e.g., Bone Loss, Cancer, and Atherosclerosis. The importance of Cell Mechanobiology in Medical Device Design: e.g., Orthopaedic Devices, Cardiovascular Devices, and Nervous System. Experimental techniques to examine cell mechanobiology: For Example - Structural properties: Brightfield, Fluorescence and Confocal Microscopy. Biochemical techniques: Western Blot, ELISAs, Flow Cytometry. Mechanical properties: Optical Traps, Atomic Force Microscopy, and Nanoindentation. Mimicking mechanics: cone and plate flow, cyclical strain.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Define the cell in structural, organisational and compositional terms as a system with interacting functional parts. 2. Demonstrate an understanding of how cell signal transduction and cell communication works, specifically to mechanical cues. 3. Using basic solid and fluid mechanics equations, evaluate how the effects of mechanical alterations (e.g. change in flow-rate, application of a force) in the body can alter the cell's shape. 4. Give an overview of the importance of cell mechanobiology in the design and improvement of medical devices. 5. Describe experimental techniques to examine cell mechanics or to apply forces to cells mimetic of physiological conditions. 6. Write collaborative technical report(s) analysing cutting-edge research in literature, and experimental findings using correct formatting provided.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Appreciate the importance of mechanotransduction and cellular mechanobiology in major diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis.

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A series of lectures will be employed to present the main concepts/topics of the module. These lectures will be inter-linked and follow a logical rational flow. The module will utilise a blended learning approach where the laboratories sessions will be flipped to ensure collaborative, proactive student engagement in a practical setting. Graduate attributes will be developed through a learning process that will be developed through a student-led class discussiosn that are chosen based on the latest research studies. The latest technology enhanced learning tools such as Panopto, sli.do, and SULIS will be used to deliver content. The module is based on the expertise of the BioSciBer group, Bernal Institute which examines the role of biological tissue mechanics on the behaviour of cell (i.e. cell mechanobiology). The knowledge gained by students on cell mechanobiology will allow them to articulate why cells function, communicate and behave in such a manner in both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. The area of cell mechanobiology and its role in medical device design is a relatively new field (less than 30 years), and this module will show the students the cutting edge advances in this field to allow them to be proactive and creative in this industry. Furthermore, the modules leaders will apply the understanding of cell mechanobiology and mechanotransduction within specific areas (cardiovascular, orthopaedic, nervous) and how it leads to disease progression. Finally, the students will be able to appreciate this knowledge in their future careers in the medical device industry to examine cell alterations due to mechanics.