COURSE GOALS:
Introduction to multidisciplinary investigations of biological systems including eukaryotic cells. We discuss physical principles which define processes in the cell and the role of cell membrane in the maintenance of functional asymmetry of extra/intracellular space.
LEARNING OUTCOMES AT THE LEVEL OF THE PROGRAMME:
Upon completing the degree, students will be able to:
1. KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
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
3. MAKING JUDGEMENTS
3.2 develop a personal sense of responsibility, given the free choice of elective/optional courses
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)
5.3 carry out research by undertaking a PhD
LEARNING OUTCOMES SPECIFIC FOR THE COURSE:
Upon passing the course, the student will be able to:
1. Specify and explain basics in biophysics of cells;
2. Explain and compare macromolecules as building blocks;
3. Apply theories of hydrodynamics and statistical physics to transport processes in cells;
4. Apply methods of statistical physics and theory of elasticity to the mechanics of the cytoskeleton;
5. Specify and explain description of cell membrane geometry;
6. Explain differences in stochastic and deterministic data in biological system;
7. Explain lipid supramolecular aggregates;
8. Apply theory of phase transitions to biomembranes;
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Lectures (30 hours in total):
1. Introduction to biophysics of cells (3 hours),
2. Transport in biophysics (5 hours),
3. Mechanics of the cytoskeleton (3 hours),
4. Dynamics of the cytoskeleton (4 hours),
5. Biomembranes - geometry and dynamics (fractals and deterministic chaos 4 hours),
6. Supramolecular structure of eukaryotic cells, Lipids and interactions in the membranes (2 hours),
7. Phase transitions in the biomembrane (2 hours),
8. Liquid crystals (1 hour),
9. Heterogeneity and asymmetry in the organization of building blocks with the membrane (2 hours),
10. Liposomes (2 hours),
11. Transport through the membrane (1 hour),
12. Transport in the cytoplasm, structure and function of the cytoskeleton, viscoelastic properties of the cell, molecular motors and cell motility, information transfer in signaling pathways, molecular dynamics (1 hour).
REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS:
To visit a lab and give a seminar.
GRADING AND ASSESSING THE WORK OF STUDENTS:
Students visit a laboratory of their choice and give a short seminar. Oral exam.
|
Pristupačnost
