Admission requirements
BSc students: Statistical Physics 1
MSc students: None
Description
During this course you will obtain an understanding of the principles underlying a diverse selection of modern biological physics. The course complements the material covered in the Physics of Life Processes in the BSc Physics program. Introductory lectures are combined with presentations by yourself on contemporary literature that relates to the topics in the syllabus. The final assignment is a written proposal on a topic chosen by you and presented in a short symposium-like presentation.
Topics covered:
Protein folding
Molecular motors
Biomembranes
Cellmechanics
Gene regulation
Self-organized systems and pattern formation
Course objectives
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
explain the physical principles underlying the many facets of modern biological physics, as well as an appreciation of their biological context
understand the analysis of experimental techniques and their results.
demonstrate command of the topic through your proposal, as chosen from a list of relevant topics
formulate your research idea to a scientific audience.
Schedule
The timetables are available through My Timetable (see the button in the upper right corner).
Teaching method
A combination of lectures, self-study, paper presentation and discussion and homework.
Assesment method
The grade will be based on homework (30%) and an assay (70%) to be written on a topic provided (deadline end of January). The essay will be graded based on the submitted text, the presentation and questions afterwards.
BSc students will write a literature review, MSc students a research proposal. Regular participation and own presentations are required.
The final grade will be determined as follows:
Homework assignments (30%)
Final essay (70%)
Resit, review & feedback
Examinations are held twice during the academic year for each component offered in that academic year. Midterm tests cannot be retaken. The Board of Examiners determines the manner of resit for practical assignments.
For review and feedback, see Brightspace.
Reading list
Syllabus and additional readings provided on Brightspace.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap (button in upper right corner) is mandatory. General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer(s) (listed in the right information bar).
Remarks
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.