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Biophysics

Code: 51555
ECTS: 5.0
Lecturers in charge: prof. dr. sc. Nenad Pavin
Lecturers: Arian Ivec , mag. phys. - Seminar
Take exam: Studomat
Load:

1. komponenta

Lecture typeTotal
Lectures 30
Seminar 15
* Load is given in academic hour (1 academic hour = 45 minutes)
Description:
COURSE GOALS:
The aim of the Biophysics course is to introduce students into interdisciplinary biophysics research. Students will gain insight into basic concepts of the structure and function of biological systems from molecule to the brain as well as to the latest experimental methods of biophysics. The course will particularly emphasize the close links between biophysics and the emerging biotechnologies and encourage students to present some of the latest biophysics research in the seminars on the topics of their choice.

LEARNING OUTCOMES AT THE LEVEL OF THE PROGRAMME:
Upon completing the degree, students will be able to:

1. KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
1.1 formulate, discuss and explain the basic laws of physics including mechanics, electromagnetism and thermodynamics
1.3 demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the most important physics theories (logical and mathematical structure, experimental support, described physical phenomena)
1.4 describe the state of the art in - at least- one of the presently active physics specialities.
2. APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
2.1 identify the essentials of a process/situation and set up a working model of the same or recognize and use the existing models
2.2 evaluate clearly the orders of magnitude in situations which are physically different, but show analogies, thus allowing the use of known solutions in new problems;
3. MAKING JUDGEMENTS
3.2 develop a personal sense of responsibility, given the free choice of elective/optional courses
3.3 comprehend the ethical characteristics of research and of the professional activity in physics

4. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
4.1 work in an interdisciplinary team
4.2 present one's own research or literature search results to professional as well as to lay audiences
4.3 develop the written and oral English language communication skills that are essential for pursuing a career in physics
5. LEARNING SKILLS
5.1 search for and use physical and other technical literature, as well as any other sources of information relevant to research work and technical project development (good knowledge of technical English is required)
5.2 remain informed of new developments and methods and provide professional advice on their possible range and applications
5.3 carry out research by undertaking a PhD
5.4 participate in projects which require advanced skills in modeling, analysis, numerical calculations and use of technologies

LEARNING OUTCOMES SPECIFIC FOR THE COURSE:
After successfully completing the Biophysics course student will be able to:
1. Elaborate interdisciplinary nature of the biophysics research, its relevance for the development of new technologies, ranging from nanobiotechnologies to neuroengineering, as well as to critically explore related ethical issues;
2. List a range of problems of research interest for biophysicists today and elaborate the relevance of experimental and theoretical methods of physics in understanding structure and functions of biological systems;
3. List and describe the fundamental characteristics of the living matter;
4. Describe structure, function and synthesis of biomacromolecules and relationship between structure and functions of biological systems from molecular to system level;
5. Identify biophysical research and prepare and present a report on it;
6. Describe capabilities of the experimental methods of physics used in molecular and cellular biophysics and elaborate on requirements for adequate preparation of biological samples;
7. Quantitatively describe the role of diffusion in different membrane transport mechanisms;
8. Describe and adequately interpret development of physical models for membrane transport across model and biological membranes;
9. Elaborate relationship between membrane transport, electrical cell activity and the signals measured by noninvasive methods for neurodynamic brain imaging;
10. Join interdisciplinary research team to study biological systems using physics methodology.


COURSE DESCRIPTION:
1. Subject, role, and importance of biophysics. Biophysics - biotechnology.
2. Cellular organization of life.
3. Biosynthesis, structure and functions of nucleic acids and proteins.
4. Protein folding and dynamics.
5. Overview of experimental methods for studying structure and dynamics of biological systems.
6. Solute transport through biological membranes.
7. Ion transport and rest potential.
8. Solvent transport. Joint solute and solvent transport.
9. Noninvasive brain imaging.
10. Neurobiology and biophysics of cognitive processes and emotions.
11. Bio-sensors.
12. Neuroimplants.
Students write and present seminars that include: 1) a short report on a selected recent experimental biophysical study at a molecular, supra-molecular or cellular level; 2) detailed presentation of the selected bio-structure/function; and 3) detailed presentation of the biophysical experimental method used in the selected study.

READING LIST:
1. Weiss, T.F. COURSE GOALS:
The aim of the Biophysics course is to introduce students into interdisciplinary biophysics research. Students will gain insight into basic concepts of the structure and function of biological systems from molecule to the brain as well as to the latest experimental methods of biophysics. The course will particularly emphasize the close links between biophysics and the emerging biotechnologies and encourage students to present some of the latest biophysics research in the seminars on the topics of their choice.

LEARNING OUTCOMES AT THE LEVEL OF THE PROGRAMME:
Upon completing the degree, students will be able to:

1. KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
1.1 formulate, discuss and explain the basic laws of physics including mechanics, electromagnetism and thermodynamics
1.3 demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the most important physics theories (logical and mathematical structure, experimental support, described physical phenomena)
1.4 describe the state of the art in - at least- one of the presently active physics specialities.
2. APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
2.1 identify the essentials of a process/situation and set up a working model of the same or recognize and use the existing models
2.2 evaluate clearly the orders of magnitude in situations which are physically different, but show analogies, thus allowing the use of known solutions in new problems;
3. MAKING JUDGEMENTS
3.2 develop a personal sense of responsibility, given the free choice of elective/optional courses
3.3 comprehend the ethical characteristics of research and of the professional activity in physics

4. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
4.1 work in an interdisciplinary team
4.2 present one's own research or literature search results to professional as well as to lay audiences
4.3 develop the written and oral English language communication skills that are essential for pursuing a career in physics
5. LEARNING SKILLS
5.1 search for and use physical and other technical literature, as well as any other sources of information relevant to research work and technical project development (good knowledge of technical English is required)
5.2 remain informed of new developments and methods and provide professional advice on their possible range and applications
5.3 carry out research by undertaking a PhD
5.4 participate in projects which require advanced skills in modeling, analysis, numerical calculations and use of technologies

LEARNING OUTCOMES SPECIFIC FOR THE COURSE:
After successfully completing the Biophysics course student will be able to:
1. Elaborate interdisciplinary nature of the biophysics research, its relevance for the development of new technologies, ranging from nanobiotechnologies to neuroengineering, as well as to critically explore related ethical issues;
2. List a range of problems of research interest for biophysicists today and elaborate the relevance of experimental and theoretical methods of physics in understanding structure and functions of biological systems;
3. List and describe the fundamental characteristics of the living matter;
4. Describe structure, function and synthesis of biomacromolecules and relationship between structure and functions of biological systems from molecular to system level;
5. Identify biophysical research and prepare and present a report on it;
6. Describe capabilities of the experimental methods of physics used in molecular and cellular biophysics and elaborate on requirements for adequate preparation of biological samples;
7. Quantitatively describe the role of diffusion in different membrane transport mechanisms;
8. Describe and adequately interpret development of physical models for membrane transport across model and biological membranes;
9. Elaborate relationship between membrane transport, electrical cell activity and the signals measured by noninvasive methods for neurodynamic brain imaging;
10. Join interdisciplinary research team to study biological systems using physics methodology.


COURSE DESCRIPTION:
1. Subject, role, and importance of biophysics. Biophysics - biotechnology.
2. Cellular organization of life.
3. Biosynthesis, structure and functions of nucleic acids and proteins.
4. Protein folding and dynamics.
5. Overview of experimental methods for studying structure and dynamics of biological systems.
6. Solute transport through biological membranes.
7. Ion transport and rest potential.
8. Solvent transport. Joint solute and solvent transport.
9. Noninvasive brain imaging.
10. Neurobiology and biophysics of cognitive processes and emotions.
11. Bio-sensors.
12. Neuroimplants.
Students write and present seminars that include: 1) a short report on a selected recent experimental biophysical study at a molecular, supra-molecular or cellular level; 2) detailed presentation of the selected bio-structure/function; and 3) detailed presentation of the biophysical experimental method used in the selected study.

READING LIST:
1. Weiss, T.F. "Cellular Biophysics I" The MIT Press, Cambridge, USA, 1996
2. Thomas M. Nordlund "Quantitative understanding of biosystems: An Introduction to
Biophysics", CRC Press Taylor and Francis Group, New York, USA, 2011
3. PowerPoint presentations of the lectures
ADDITIONAL READING:
DVD "Inside the Living Cell" 2008


REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS:
Students are required to regularly attend classes, write and present seminars and actively participate in discussions. A short presentation on the topic of their choice and a mid-term written exam are optional.

GRADING AND ASSESSING THE WORK OF STUDENTS:
Final written exam contributes to the final grade (40%) as well as the submitted and presented seminar (40%) and active participation throughout the course (20%).
Cellular Biophysics I" The MIT Press, Cambridge, USA, 1996
2. Thomas M. Nordlund "Quantitative understanding of biosystems: An Introduction to
Biophysics", CRC Press Taylor and Francis Group, New York, USA, 2011
3. PowerPoint presentations of the lectures
ADDITIONAL READING:
DVD "Inside the Living Cell" 2008


REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS:
Students are required to regularly attend classes, write and present seminars and actively participate in discussions. A short presentation on the topic of their choice and a mid-term written exam are optional.

GRADING AND ASSESSING THE WORK OF STUDENTS:
Final written exam contributes to the final grade (40%) as well as the submitted and presented seminar (40%) and active participation throughout the course (20%).
Literature:
  1. Weiss, T.F. ''Cellular Biophysics I'' The MIT Press, Cambridge, USA, 1996
Prerequisit for:
Enrollment :
Passed : General Physics 4
7. semester
Izborni predmeti - Regular study - Physics

8. semester
Izborni predmeti - Regular study - Physics
Consultations schedule: