Biophysics and Biochemistry

Duration

30h Th, 24h Pr, 6h Proj.

Number of credits

Lecturer

Paulette Charlier, Liesbet Geris

Coordinator

N...

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

General : application of the basic laws of physics and chemistry on living organisms and their different components.
Detailed content:
Biophysics

• 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
• Beam Theory: Architecture for Cells and Skeletons
• Electrostatics for Salty Solutions
• Biological Membranes: Life in Two Dimensions

• Protein structure
• Methods for biological macromolecules structure determination and Protein Data bases
• Some examples of Protein functions

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

This course aims to provide the students with insight into how the basic tools and insights of physics, chemistry 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 biomolecular chemistry) and the improvement of life.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

General knowledge of general principles of physics, chemistry and thermodynamics - such as covered by bachelor courses PHYS2020-1, PHYS2021-1, PHYS2022-1 and CHIM0286-1.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Biophysics

• Weekly exercise sessions (assignments and teaching in French)
• small group projet: presentation of a biological problème  to be resolved via a model

• Recall of bases in organic chemistry applied to living matter
• Tutorials dedicated to the Pymol software use: obseravtion and analysis of biological macromolecules structures. Courses illustration. Use of PDB database.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

face-to-face

Recommended or required readings

• 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.
• "Biochimie générale" by Jacques-Henry WEIL Editeur : DUNOD Collection : Science sup Année: 07/2009 (11ème édition) - "Crystallography made hook clear: With guide for users for macromolecular models." Scale Rhodos, Academic Press 2000 - "Introduction to Protein Structure" Carl Branden and John Tooze, Garland Publishing 1999 CD roms: - PS ² and Kinemage Supplement to "Introduction to Protein Structure" Carl Branden and John Tooze, Garland Publishing 1999
• Detailed slides will be made available to the students via eCampus.

Assessment methods and criteria

Written exam containing a theoretical and an exercise part (on paper for Biophysics and on the computer for biochemistry).  The biophysics part counts for 60% of the total score of the course and the biochemistry part for 40%.  The overall score is the average of both parts.  If the score for any of the 2 parts is =<7, that score will become the overall score of the course
 
For the biophysics there is also a homework assignment (written and/or oral presentation of a biophysics topic) will count for 10% of the final mark of the biophysics part.
 
The exam questions will be in both French and English, the language of the answers can be chosen by the student (French or English).

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

contact the teacher for more details.

Contacts

Liesbet Geris
tel: 04 366 95 87 liesbet.geris@ulg.ac.be
 
 
Paulette Charlier
tel: 04 366 36 19
paulette.charlier@ulg.ac.be