Module Code - Title:
ME6322
-
CELL MECHANICS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
ME6251
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To understand the mechanical properties of cells, the relationship between cell mechanics and tissue behaviour, and the methods of characterising cell mechanics in the laboratory
Syllabus:
1. Introduction and Membrane Tension: Cell mechanics and human disease, Mechanics applied to cells, Micropipette aspiration
2. Solid Mechanics: Rigid-body mechanics, Free-body diagrams, Mechanics of deformable bodies
3. Fluid Mechanics: Fluid statics, Rheological analysis
4. Statistical Mechanics: Internal energy, Entropy, Free energy
5. Cell Mechanics in the Laboratory: Cellular micromanipulation, Measuring cellular forces, Applying forces to cells
6. Mechanics of Cellular Polymers: Persistence Length, Ideal Chain/Freely Jointed Chain, Worm-Like Chain
7. Polymer Networks and the Cytoskeleton: Polymer networks, Affine networks, Cytoskeletal structure
8. Mechanics of the Cell Membrane: Phospholipid self-assembly, Membrane mechanics in shear and tension, Membrane mechanics in bending
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Describe the principles of solid, fluid and statistical mechanics.
2. Apply the principles of solid, fluid and statistical mechanics to cells.
3. Describe the principles of cell polymers mechanics and cell polymer network mechanics.
4. Apply the principles of cellular polymers mechanics and polymer network mechanics to the cell cytoskeleton and cell membrane.
5. Utilise MATLAB to perform an analytical analysis related to cellular mechanics and mechanobiology.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
NA
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
NA
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Lecture based teaching: A series of lectures will be employed to present the main concepts/topics of the module, following the previously outlined syllabus. These lectures will be inter-linked and follow a logical rational flow. Graduate attributes will be developed through a learning process that will be based on the latest research studies, including the lecture's own research. Students will report, discuss, and critically analyse these topics, which will be within the context of module. The latest technology enhanced learning tools such as Brightspace and Microsoft Forms will be used to deliver content in the form of tutorial videos and quizzes.
Tutorial based learning: The module will utilise a blended learning approach where the tutorial sessions will be flipped to ensure effective delivery of the required content.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
C. Jacobs
H. Huang
R.Y. Kwan (2012)
Introduction to Cell Mechanics and Mechanbiology
, GS
Other Relevant Texts:
David Boal (2012)
Mechanics of the Cell
, Cambridge University Press
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MEBIENTFA - BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Eoghan.Cunnane@ul.ie