Introduction to Biophysics I (PH475/575, Spring, 2017)
Course Description:
Through this course students will learn how the laws of physics play important roles in biological processes in living cells through examples.
Learning Objectives:
Physical processes involved in the following biological processes
- Diffusion of macromolecules
- Motor proteins and Brownian motors
- Entropic force
- Electrostatics in biological cell
- Chemical oscillations (neurons, β cell, ...)
- Wave phenomena (potential waves, chemical waves)
- Allostery coupling
- Protein Folding
- Self-Assembly (polymerization, micell, ...)
- Synchronization (neural network, insulin secretion, ...)
- Pattern formation
Textbook: No textbook is required for this course. Lecture notes are prvideded in advance.
| Day and Time: |
Tue. & Thu. 2:00PM-3:15PM |
| Room: |
PH 394 |
| Instructor: |
Dr. Ryoichi Kawai |
| email: |
kawai@uab.edu |
| phone: |
(205) 934-3931 |
| skype*: |
userid = ryoichikawai
* You must send your skype user ID to
the instructor by email in advance or your call will be blocked. |
| Office Hour: |
by appointment
|
| Course Website: |
http://kawai.phy.uab.edu/courses/2017-Spring/ph475 |
Course Schedule
Project Info
LaTeX Info
|
| Textbook |
|
 |
Physical Biology of the Cell
R. Phillips et al. (Garland Science, 2012)
ISBN: 978-0815344506 |
|
Messages from the Instructor
- [12/23] The course web site is now open.
MATLAB
Some examples use MATLAB. It is not required to have MATLAB in your computer. However, it is convenient if you install it. UAB has a site license and students are elligible to install MATLAB on their computer.
Installation instruction is given at
https://docs.uabgrid.uab.edu/wiki/Matlab_site_license
Mathematica
Some examples use Mathematica. The use of Mathetmatica is not required but it is convenient to have it in your computer.
It is free for UAB students. The following web page will explain how to get your own copy of Mathematica:
https://www.uab.edu/it/home/component/k2/item/551-mathematica
Homework
Several homework problems will be given every week. Homework must be
turned in electronically by email. Allowed formats are PDF (.pdf), MATLAB script file (.m), Mathematica notebook (.nb). Hand written pages should be scanned in PDF. Do not send picture taken by camera or cellphone.
Projects
There is no paper exam. Students must complete a term paper. Abstract, drafts, and final paper (due on April 25) must be presented before the due dates. See project schedule here. Late submission will result in the substantial loss of points.
Attendance
Attendance is required. To pass the course you must attend at least 75% of lectures. Excessive absence will result in administrative withdraw.
Grading
Homework carries 50 pts and the term paper 50 pts. |
| Grade |
Total Score |
| A |
90 or above |
| B |
80 or above |
| C |
70 or above |
| F |
Otherwise |
|
|
Office Hour