Course syllabus

Experimental Biophysics
Experimentell biofysik

FFFN20, 15.0 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

Main field: Nanoscience Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Elective for: BME4-bf, F4, MFOT1, MNAV1, N4-nf, N4-nbm
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The overarching aim of the course is to give a specialisation in interdisciplinary work with a focus on experimental methods in biophysics. The course aims specifically at giving an introduction to the intersection of modern physics, nanotechnology, biomolecular chemistry and biology. Being based on current scientific articles, the course prepares the students for future research work.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

Contents

The course contains three modules:

Module 1, Theory, 4.5 credits: The teaching consists of lectures and discussion seminars. During this part, relevant topics according to the list below are treated and current articles are discussed. Especially during the seminar exercises, it is required that the students take active part in the discussions. An important aspect is to train efficient reading and extraction of information from scientific articles. A consistent theme within the course is micro- and nanostructures within biology and technology and their mutual connection.

Specific subjects that are included in the course:

Module 2, Laboratory sessions, 4.5 credits: The second part consists of laboratory exercises, mainly in our research laboratories. The students will get aquainted with equipment that is actively used within the biophysics research at the division.

A selection of laboratory techniques is included from the following list based on available expertise and current topics in the literature:

Module 3, Project, 6.0 credits: The last part of the course is a project, where the students work individually or in small groups doing, preferably innovative but at the same time simple, experiments in a scientific environment somewhere within or outside the university. The work may have both experimental and theoretical character. In the latter case, it mainly is primarily simulations, but also about advanced data processing with relevance for furthermore experimental studies. The projects are defined jointly by course responsible, supervisor and student.

Examination details

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

Examination of module 1 is in the form of an individual written exam during the time of the module. Examination in module 2 is arranged orally in the form of an individual examination in connection with laboratory sessions during the course. Examination in module 3 is arranged in writing in the form of a report from respective project group at the end of the course. Each student must be able to present and discuss the contents of their report individually and independently. The final grade of the student is based on theory (30%), laboratory work (30%) and project (40%).


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: 0113. Name: Theory.
Credits: 4.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Written examination.
Code: 0213. Name: Laboratory Work.
Credits: 4.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Oral examination.
Code: 0313. Name: Project.
Credits: 6.0. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Written report and oral presentation.

Admission

Assumed prior knowledge: Compulsory courses of the first three years of the Engineering Nanoscience programme or equivalent.
The number of participants is limited to: 30
Selection: Completed university credits within the programme. Priority is given to students enrolled on programmes that include the course in their curriculum.
Kursen överlappar följande kurser: TEK265

Reading list

Contact

Course coordinator: Prof Jonas Tegenfeldt, jonas.tegenfeldt@ftf.lth.se
Course homepage: https://canvas.education.lu.se/courses/12012