PHYS-3311 Principles of Biophysics

This course introduces the use of physics principles to explore and understand complex biological systems on different spatial and time scales. Questions addressed include: What are the forces that hold a molecule and a cell together? What are the forces and energies involved in cell membrane structures and functions, DNA packing and functioning, protein folding, and nerve-signal transmission? Emphasis will be placed on the use of spectroscopic, imaging and computer simulation techniques to address some of these questions. This course spans the molecular, cellular and tissue levels of biology and examines current topics of biophysics. (Offered every other year.) Prerequisites: PHYS 1310 (or PHYS 1312) and one of the following courses: CHEM 3330, ENGR 3327, or PHYS 3323