Winter 2008

PHYS 410/510: Introduction to Biological Physics

CRN 26014/26015

Instructor: Heiner Linke

Monday and Wednesday, 4:00 - 5:20 pm, 16 Pacific

This course introduces key concepts of physics that are relevant to biological processes on the molecular level. It aims to develop the ability to understand current topics of biophysical research. 

Topics:

• Overview of cells and related physical questions.
• Physical environment of molecules: thermal energy, diffusion, friction, and lack of inertia.
• Entropy and free energy.
• Biochemical mechanics: Entropic forces and chemical forces.
• Physical properties of DNA and other polymers.
• Single-molecule techniques.
• Molecular machines.

Examples and research articles will be used to highlight topics of current biological or biophysical research that make use of these concepts.

Target groups:

• Physics students with an interest in biophysics and biology.
• Life science, biochemistry or chemistry students who wish to learn quantitative concepts.

A mixed group of students with varied backgrounds will greatly enrich the experience.

Book:

Biological Physics by Philip Nelson (Freeman), complemented by sections from other books and current journal articles.

Assignments:

Reading assignments, analytical and quantitative problem sets, research paper on current scientific literature.

Pre-requirement:

A year-long introductory course in physics (PHYS 201-3 or PHYS 251-3).

We will use some amount of calculus, mainly on a conceptual level. Some knowledge of general biology and/or general chemistry is useful.

Contact:

Heiner Linke, Physics, WIL 373, linke@uoregon.edu, ph 346-4583.