Physics of the cell
Summary
Living organisms evolve in a physical world: their cells respond to mechanics, electricity and light. In this course, we will describe the behavior and function of cells using physical principles.
Content
Molecular motors
Ion channels
Electricity in cells
Multicellularity and biological patterns
Biofilms
Numbers and estimates in biology
Life at low Reynolds number
Biopolymers
Cytoskeleton
Membrane mechanics
Keywords
Biological Physics
Quantitative Biology
Back of the enveloppe calculations
Biomechanics
Mechanobiology
Cells
Learning Prerequisites
Required courses
Introductory Biology
Introductory Physics
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Quantify forces in biological systems
- Identify mechanically sensitive elements in a cell
- Integrate their engineer knowledge in biology
Assessment methods
Written exam
Supervision
| Office hours | Yes |
| Assistants | Yes |
| Forum | Yes |
Resources
Bibliography
Physical Biology of the Cell (Rob Phillips, Jane Kondev, Julie Theriot)
Ressources en bibliothèque
Notes/Handbook
The instructors will provide class notes
In the programs
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: Written (summer session)
- Subject examined: Physics of the cell
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks