MATS42402 15 Semester 2 Undergraduate Level 7 Olga Tsigkou Unit coordinator Department of Materials 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 <p>The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a highly dynamic and complex environment composed of proteins, glycoproteins, and polysaccharides that work together to provide both structural support and biochemical signalling to surrounding cells. While students will already be familiar with some of the principal components such as collagen, laminin, integrins, and proteoglycans from earlier units, this course will provide a more detailed exploration of individual ECM constituents, with a particular focus on how their structure underpins their biological function.</p> <p>The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a highly dynamic and complex environment composed of proteins, glycoproteins, and polysaccharides that work together to provide both structural support and biochemical signalling to surrounding cells. While students will already be familiar with some of the principal components such as collagen, laminin, integrins, and proteoglycans from earlier units, this course will provide a more detailed exploration of individual ECM constituents, with a particular focus on how their structure underpins their biological function. By engaging with recently published primary research, students will develop a critical understanding of the relationship between ECM composition, mechanical properties, and cellular responses. The second part of the unit will then expand this knowledge towards applications in biomaterials science, exploring how natural ECM-derived components (e.g. collagen, gelatin, hyaluronic acid, chitosan, cellulose) are used in isolation or in combination as composites to create bioactive materials. Through these discussions, students will learn how both natural and synthetic biomaterials can be designed to mimic ECM structure–function relationships, opening opportunities for translational applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.</p> <p>The programme unit aims to provide students with an advanced understanding of the composition and structure-function relationships of the major extracellular matrix (ECM) components, including proteins, glycoproteins, and polysaccharides. &nbsp;</p> <p>A greater depth of the learning outcomes will be covered in the following sections:</p> <ul> <li> Knowledge and understanding</li> <li> Intellectual skills</li> <li> Practical skills</li> <li> Transferable skills and personal qualities</li> </ul> <ul> <li> Explain the structure and role of all the major matrix components and how these interact in the various matrices found within the body.</li> <li> Explain how the characteristics of these matrices change as the body ages or during disease.</li> <li> Explain how biomaterials can be used to mimic the extracellular matrix and how these would be specialised for various applications.</li> <li> Use theory to predict the influence of fibre and network variables on the structure of electrospun polymer fibre networks and hence their suitability for use as scaffolds in tissue engineering.</li> <li> Explain how the structure of the extracellular matrix in collagenous soft tissues affects its mechanical properties.</li></ul> <ul><li>Evaluate and critique journal papers on biomaterials and the extracellular matrix.</li><li>Evaluate parameters that describe the structure and mechanics of natural biomaterials and their composites.</li></ul> <ul><li>Acquire experience in working with team members as a group.</li><li>Reflect and improve your presentation skills.</li></ul> <ul><li>Analytical capability.</li><li>Review literature critically.</li></ul> <p>Lectures, personal assignment, presentations and reports. Reviewing of a published research article will be followed up with Canvas-based questions to help students critically evaluate the studies.&nbsp;</p> 1 Written exam 70% 2 Written assignment (inc essay) 30% <p>Feedback given (written and verbal)</p> N <p>All material on Canvas prior to each synchronous lecture.</p><p>Molecular Biology of the Cell, 4th edition by Bruce Alberts (provided in the Unit’s Canvas page and by the Library)</p><p>The Extracellular Matrix Facts Book, Shirley Ayad et.el., 2nd Edition (provided in the Unit’s Canvas page from University Library)</p><p>Biochemistry, 5th edition by Lubert Stryer (provided in the Unit’s Canvas page and from University Library)</p><p>Other specific reading material is provided in the Unit’s Canvas page.</p> Lectures 30 0 120