Admission Requirements
The Biophysics course is intended for MSc and Ph.D. students. The course complements the material covered in the Physics of Life series of the BSc Physics program, but prior knowledge in Biophysics and/or completion of the latter is not strictly required to participate.
Description
During this course you will obtain an understanding of the principles underlying a diverse selection of modern biological physics. Introductory lectures are combined with presentations by yourself on contemporary literature that relates to the topics in the syllabus. The course will be completed by an essay that you will write on a chosen topic.
Topics include:
Protein folding
Molecular motors
Biomembranes
Gene regulation
Self-organized systems and pattern formation
Course objectives
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.
In your explanation you will put extra emphasis on the analysis of experimental techniques and their results.
In an essay you will be able to demonstrate command of the specialized topic chosen from a list of relevant papers, that you will complement with recent literature.
Generic skills (soft skills)
You will learn how to efficiently read and interpret relevant scientific literature and to relate this to a theoretical framework.
You will present biophysical topics to peers, participate in critical discussions about these papers and relate the results to topics discussed in the syllabus.
You will make exercises to address problems from a biological context using physical, mechanistic models and quantitative data analysis.
Timetable
Mode of instruction
Lectures and Seminars
Assessment method
The grade will be based on an essay to be written on a topic provided (deadline end Jan 2016). Further, regular participation and own presentations are required.
Blackboard
Lecture notes, additional readings and assignments will be provided.
To have access to Blackboard you need a ULCN-account.Blackboard UL
Reading list
Syllabus and additional readings provided on Blackboard.
Contact information:
Lecturers
Prof.dr.Thomas Schmidt
Prof.dr.ir.S.John van Noort
Dr.Martina Huber