Admission requirements
Elementary Physics and knowledge of the content of the first 7 chapters of the text book by Nelson
Note: This class is taught in English.
Description
This class explores how the dazzling complexity of life at the nanoscale is governed by key concepts of physics, in particular entropy. We will learn how tiny molecular machines can carry out diverse tasks in the cell and begin to understand how brain cells communicate through electrical impulses.
The class is based on self-study of the a text book (see below). Bi-weekly lectures will highlight the most important concepts. The homework consists of problem sets, which are discussed in weekly exercise classes. Finally, there will be weekly presentations by the students on topics that are complementary to or extend the content discussed in the lectures.
Topics:
Entropy, temperature and free energy (a recap)
Chemical forces and self assembly
Cooperative transitions in macromolecules
Enzymes and molecular machines
Molecular machines in membranes
Nerve impulses
Course objectives
After this class you will be able to:
Evaluate and synthesize new information to describe the physics of biological processes in living cells
Describe the mechanism behind self-assembly and its role in shaping the internal structure of a cell
Develop simple models for the kinetics of enzymes and molecular machines
Derive the equations governing nerve impulses
Soft skills
You will hone your presentation skills by giving a talk on a research paper or book chapter to your fellow students.
Timetable
Mode of instruction
Self-study, lectures and tutor sessions.
Assessment method
Talk (given by student) and Final Exam (written, open book).
Blackboard
More information will be available on Blackboard UL
Reading list
Philip Nelson, Biological Physics Palgrave Macmillan (Aug 31, 2007) ISBN-13: 978-0716798972 EUR 57,95
The purchase of this book is mandatory.
Contact
Contact details lecturer: Dr. S.Semrau(Stefan)