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| GBIO0001-1 | Biophysics
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| Duration : | 30h Th, 30h Pr |
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| Number of credits : |
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| Lecturer : | Liesbet Geris |
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Language(s) of instruction :
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| English language |
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Course contents :
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| General : application of the basic laws of physics on living organisms and their different components.
Detailed content:
- Length and time scales in nature
- Mechanical and Chemical Equilibrium in the Living Cell
- Entropy rules!
- Two-State Systems: From Ion Channels to Cooperative Binding
- Random Walks and the Structure of Macromolecules
- Beam Theory: Architecture for Cells and Skeletons
- Electrostatics for Salty Solutions
- Biological Electricity and the Hodgkin-Huxley Model
- Biological Membranes: Life in Two Dimensions
- Dynamics of Molecular Motors
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Learning outcomes of the course :
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| This course aims to provide the students with insight into how the basic tools and insights of physics and mathematics can illuminate the study of molecular and cellular biology. Drawing on key examples and seminal experiments from cell biology, the course demonstrates how quantitative models can help refine our understanding of existing biological data and also be used to make useful predictions. Additionally, it demonstrates how advances in engineering technology (based on these simple physical concepts) can assist the advancement of knowledge in the life sciences and the improvement of life. |
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Prerequisites and co-requisites/ Recommended optional programme components :
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| General knowledge of general principles of physics and thermodynamics as covered by bachelor courses PHYS2020-1, PHYS2021-1, PHYS2022-1 and CHIM0286-1. |
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Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
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| Weekly exercise sessions (assignments and teaching in French) |
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Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
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| face-to-face |
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Recommended or required readings :
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- Reference textbook: 'Physical Biology of the Cell' by Rob Phillips, Jane Kondev & Julie Theriot, Garland Science (ISBN978-0-8153-4163-5). A copy is available in the library.
- Detailed slides will be made available to the students via eCampus.
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Assessment methods and criteria :
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| Written exam containing a theoretical and an exercise part. A homework assignment (discussion of a biophysics topic of choice) will count for 20% of the final mark. The exam questions will be in both French and English, the language of the answers can be chosen by the student (French or English). |
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Organizational remarks :
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| Theory course and problems sessions on Monday PM, spring quarter. |
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Contacts :
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| Liesbet Geris
tel: 04 366 95 87
liesbet.geris@ulg.ac.be |
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| Items online : |
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| online course material |
| An electronic version of the slides and additional course material will be available via eCampus (restricted access). |
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