Green Biotec UG Bremen Germany
Biophysics
| Biophysics | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | This course provides an introduction to quantitative physics approaches applied to biological problems. Key objectives include developing an appreciation for the length, force, energy, and time scales of the cellular environment, understanding the physical phenomena dominating these scales, and applying simple physical models for quantitative analysis of biological systems. |
| Recommended Books | 1. Nelson, P. (2004). Biological physics (pp. 315-332). New York: WH Freeman. 2. Phillips, R., Kondev, J., Theriot, J., Garcia, H. G., and Orme, N. (2012). Physical biology of the cell. Garland Science. |
| Course Learning Outcomes | After completing this course, students will be able to: 1. Understand the physical scales and processes in cellular environments. 2. Apply physical models and quantitative methods to biological systems. 3. Grasp statistical physics concepts relevant to biological systems, such as random walks and diffusion. 4. Analyze forces and phenomena such as viscosity, entropy, and chemical interactions in biological systems. 5. Explain the functioning of biological devices like molecular motors and membrane channels. |
| Assessment System | Quizzes: 10-15% Assignments: 5-10% Midterms: 30-40% End Semester Exam: 40-50% |
| Lecture Plan | ||
|---|---|---|
| S.No. | Description | Quizzes/Assignment |
| 1 | Introduction: The Scale of Things and Basic Cell Physiology | |
| 2 | Random Walks and Diffusion: Brownian Motion, Fick’s Law | Quiz 1 |
| 3 | Heat and Entropy: Random Processes, Molecular Theory of Heat | |
| 4 | Boltzmann Distribution and Statistical Interpretation of Entropy | Assignment 1 |
| 5 | Life at Low Reynolds Number: Navier Stokes Equation, Viscosity | |
| 6 | Laminar Flow, Stokes Drag, Dimensional Analysis | |
| 7 | Entropy, Temperature, Free Energy: Basic Statistical Mechanics | Quiz 2 |
| 8 | Arrhenius Activation and Rate Theory | |
| 9 | Entropic Forces: Polymer Extension and Osmotic Forces | Assignment 2 |
| 10 | Hydrophobic Interactions, Surface Tension, Ions in Solution | |
| 11 | Chemical Forces and Self-Assembly: Chemical Equilibrium and Mass Action Law | |
| 12 | Self-Assembly and Membrane Channels | Quiz 3 |
| 13 | Molecular Motors: Structure and Function | |
| 14 | Advanced Topics in Molecular Biophysics | Assignment 3 |
| 15 | Future Trends and Applications of Biophysics | |
