Requirements
None.
Note: This class is taught in English.
Description
This introductory lecture deals with the thermodynamic and molecular basis of modern biophysics.
In weekly 2-hour lectures, the emphasis will be on a quantitative description of topics from biology, such as the behavior of polymers (DNA and proteins) or cellular transport processes.
Course objectives
You will be able to specify how the laws of physics constrain and shape living systems and how to apply a physics approach to fundamental problems in biology.
After this class you will be able to:
name the most important components of a cell
apply the diffusion equation to transport processes in cells
apply basic probability theory to questions in heredity
calculate the change in disorder (entropy) for simple thermodynamic processes
describe biological systems in equilibrium using the Boltzmann distribution
Transferable skills
you prepare the lectures by studying the lecture material (book) and test your knowledge in online quizzes
you apply conceptual insights to concrete problem sets
you plan ahaead and study continuously to spread the study load over the whole semester
Timetable
Schedule
For detailed information go to Timetable in Brightspace
Mode of Instruction
Zie Brightspace
Assessment method
Written exam and quizzes on Blackboard. The final mark is calculated according to: final grade = max (exam, 0.8 \ * exam + 0.2 \ * quiz). The quiz results will not contribute to the grade of the retake exam.
Brightspace
Registration for Brightspace occurs via uSis by registration for a class activity using a class number
Reading list
Biological Physics: Energy, Information, Life, Philip Nelson, ISBN 0716798972 (Purchase required; This book is also used by Physics of Life - From Motors to Nerve Pulses). Chapters 1 through 7 are discussed.