Biophysics

• Semester 6, position 4

Introducing students to biophysics fundamentals with emphasis on cell and molecular biology; representation of structure and functions of the bio-systems using descriptive, mathematical and physical modeling. Through physical modeling student is going to learn uses of methods of thermodynamics, kinetics, classical and quantum physics. Through mathematical modeling student could learn theory of information, quantum logic and mathematical description of the system. Student is thus equipped with wide knowledge which can be applied in clinical and scientific research institutions.

Final outcomes: 1)adequate theoretical and mathematical description of relevant biophysical systems, 2) to make appropriate choice of physical methods for investigation of biophysical systems, 3) application of acquired theoretical knowledge for planning of experiments for analysis of biophysical systems, 4) choice of appropriate international references in relevant fields of biophysics for investigation and solving given problems, 5) write scientific paper in adequate manner to be presented in scientific journals and on international conferences.

Introduction to biophysics. Basics of quantum mechanics, Physical basis of chemical bonds. Thermodynamical processes, enthropy, enthalpy, Gibbs free energy - connection with biological systems. Heat and mass transport; viscosity and capilar phenomema. Biophysical methods - X ray diffraction, SPM (STM, AFM). Chemical composition of the cell. Biomolecules. Biophysics of polymers (I): nucleic acids, RNA, DNA. Biophysics of polymers (II): proteins; structure and functions. Biophysics of cell: biochemical and biophysical characteristics of the whole cell; basic characteristics of cell organelles, cell cycle. Biophysics of the cell membrane: cell membrane model; chemical content; membrane functions. Membrane transport. Biophysics of excitable cell. Action potential. Cell signaling and intercell communication. Biophysics of disease (I): free radicals, origin, detection, implications. Biophysics of disease (II): neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.

Examples of systems in biophysics. Periodic table of elements, electron configuration, atomic structure, basics of stechiometry. Biophysical methods: fluorescence microscopy, atomic force microscopy. Physical methods for separation of molecules - centrifuge. Physical methods for testing conformation of biological macromolecules (spectroscopy); prediction of biopolymers' structures.

Enrollment in VI semester

1. Written course material (handouts) 2. Instruments and equipment of the Biomedical Engineering laboratory

Total assigned hours: 45

New material: 18
Elaboration and examples (recapitulation): 0

Auditory exercises: 12
Laboratory exercises: 2
Calculation tasks: 0
Seminar paper: 4
Project: 0
Consultations: 0
Discussion/workshop: 0
Research study work: 0

Review and grading of calculation tasks: 0
Review and grading of lab reports: 0
Review and grading of seminar papers: 1
Review and grading of the project: 0
Test: 0
Test: 5
Final exam: 3

Activity during lectures: 5
Test/test: 55
Laboratory practice: 0
Calculation tasks: 0
Seminar paper: 10
Project: 0
Final exam: 30
Requirement for taking the exam (required number of points): 35

Nadeau, J. Introduction to Experimental Biophysics: Biological Methods for Physical Scientists. CRC Press, 2012; Glaser, R. Biophysics, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2012; Waigh, T. A. Applied biophysics: a molecular approach for physical scientists. John Wiley & Sons, 2007; Nölting, B. Methods in modern biophysics. Springer Science & Business Media, 2010; Nadeau, J.Introduction to Experimental Biophysics - A Laboratory Guide.Taylor & Francis, 2015