Physics of Biological Processes

The course will examine various biological processes from a physical perspective.                  

Special attention will be given to comparing the different energy scales in biology, with an introduction to key concepts in thermodynamics as they relate to molecular biology. We will cover various passive and active processes using relevant examples from biology and health sciences. The proposed lab session involves observing Brownian motion and will tie in with the HAV102P course (specifically its concepts in optics).

SkillsEU-targeted competencies:

• the ability to approach a biological problem from a quantitative perspective;
• Be able to apply the first law of thermodynamics—the conservation of energy—to problems of biological interest;
• Be able to identify systems in equilibrium, or explain when the equilibrium approximation is valid in biological processes;
• Explain the role of thermal fluctuations in equilibrium states;
• Understand an energy landscape and explain how active processes (e.g., those controlled by enzymes) can alter it.

UE HAV102P: Physical Approaches to Living Systems:

            - Physical Quantities, Dimensions, and Units

            - Forces, force balance, viscous force, fluid mobilization pressure

            - microscope, diffraction, and its impact on a microscope's resolution.

Recommended prerequisites*:

• High school-level mathematics.
• Logarithmic and exponential functions.
• Analysis of a real function of a real variable.

CC: Two continuous assessment exams, preferably in person or, if not possible, online (Moodle quizzes)—one midway through the semester and the other at the end of the semester.

List of Chapters in the Module:

- Introduction: A Quantitative Approach to Biology. Example: Scaling Laws in Biology.

• Energy and the First Law of Thermodynamics.
• Molecular interactions, energy minimization, the concept of equilibrium.
• Passive Processes: From Random Walk to Fick's Law.
• Introduction to Entropy and Gibbs Free Energy.
• Examples of active processes; the energy landscape of biochemical reactions (enzymes)
• Phase changes;

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 12:00 p.m.

            TD: 3:00 p.m.

            Practical work: 3 hours

            Lot: