Theoretical Biophysics
Teoretisk biofysik

EXTQ02, 7.5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2024/25
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED F/Pi
Date of Decision: 2024-04-15
Effective: 2024-05-08

General Information

Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Elective for: BME5-bf, F4, F4-tf, F4-bm, N4
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The aim of the course is that the student should, on completion of the course, have acquired knowledge of physics problems encountered in biology from a theoretical, mathematical perspective and with computer simulations. The course is further aimed to provide the student the general biological knowledge that is needed to understand such questions.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to on a general level give an account of basic cell and molecular biology,
• be able to independently give an account of statistical mechanics models for basic biophysical phenomena,
• be able to independent and in detail give an account of models and equations that describe dynamics in cells and movements of liquids in biophysical systems.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to apply physical laws to make rough estimates of biologically relevant quantities,
• be able to use simple statistical mechanics models in biological applications with an understanding of underlying assumptions,
• be able to independently formulate and use model equations for dynamics of biophysical systems based on underlying assumptions.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to assess how physical models most appropriately can be applied to biological phenomena,
• be able to critically discuss the abilities and limitations of physical models in biology.

Contents

The course deals with:

• the structure of the cell with organelles and other structures,
• central molecular biology processes,
• basic genetics,
• length scales and time scales in biological systems and processes,
• basic statistical mechanics concepts in biophysics,
• Debye screening of electric charges in ionic solutions,
• basic structure formation of proteins and DNA,
• physical properties of polymer chains,
• elasticity of biological membranes,
• The Navier-Stokes equations that describe the movement of liquids,
• The Reynolds number and its interpretation,
• The Hagen-Poiseuille law for viscous flows in vascular networks,
• Brownian motion, random walks and diffusion,
• Stokes' law and the relation between diffusion and viscosity,
• cellular capture processes and other applications of diffusion in biology,
• the law of mass action and dynamics of chemical interaction networks,
• photosynthesis, molecular machines and nerve signals.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment:

Examination takes place in the form of individual written assignments during the course, group assignment with oral presentation during the course and individual oral examination at the end of the course.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0124. Name: Seminar Problem.
Credits: 1.5. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Passed seminar problem.
Code: 0224. Name: Hand-ins.
Credits: 2.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Passed hand-ins.
Code: 0324. Name: Oral Examination.
Credits: 3.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Oral examination.

Admission

Assumed prior knowledge: Compulsory courses, nanoscience engineering programme, or comparable courses.
The number of participants is limited to: No
Kursen överlappar följande kurser: TEK267 EXTQ01

Reading list

• Rob Phillips, Jane Kondev, Julie Therot, Hernan G. Garcia: Physical Biology of the Cell, second edition. Garland Science, 2013.

Contact

Course coordinator: Carl Troein, carl.troein@cec.lu.se
Course homepage: https://canvas.education.lu.se/courses/2865