Universität Wien
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260020 VU Biological Physics (2025S)

5.00 ECTS (3.00 SWS), SPL 26 - Physik
Continuous assessment of course work
Th 06.03. 08:45-11:15 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01

Details

max. 15 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

    Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

    Please note that the very first unit ("Vorbesprechung") as well as the first lecture will be on 6.3.2025 from 8:45 until 11:15.

    • Thursday 13.03. 08:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
    • Thursday 20.03. 08:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
    • Thursday 27.03. 08:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
    • Thursday 03.04. 08:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
    • Thursday 10.04. 08:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
    • Thursday 08.05. 08:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
    • Thursday 15.05. 08:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
    • Thursday 22.05. 08:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
    • Thursday 05.06. 08:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
    • Thursday 12.06. 08:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01

    Information

    Aims, contents and method of the course

    This course covers relevant topics in the field of Biological Physics (Biophysics). The main aim is to develop an understanding of fundamental physical principles in biologically relevant phenomena at different levels (intracellular, cellular).

    We will use physical concepts such as Brownian motion, diffusion, thermodynamics, hydrodynamics, friction and elasticity to understand important intracellular processes and biophysical principles. Furthermore we will discuss basic physical principles of cell motion, such as bacterial locomotion and cancer metastasis.

    The course consists of lectures and exercises, with active participation of the students.

    The tentative outline is as follows:
    1. Introduction
    2. Biological overview („What‘s inside cells“)
    3. Random Walks and diffusion
    4. Hydrodynamics and cell swimming
    5. Thermodynamics in cells
    6. Cell mechanics and elasticity
    7. Molecular biological machines and cell migration

    Assessment and permitted materials

    There will be four exercise sheets, distributed during the semester, which the students should work on as a homework. The students are allowed to use any available source to solve the exercises. Most of the exercises will be calculations on paper, but a few exercises may include simple computer programming. Furthermore, there will be two written exams, one approximately at the middle and one at the end of the semester, covering specific parts of the lectures. For the exams any resources/devices are not allowed.

    Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

    As a minimum requirement, at least 50% of the score points from the homework exercises must be achieved, and in addition at least 50% of the total score points from the 2 exams must be achieved.

    Homework (4x): maximum total points: 4*5=20

    Exams (2x): maximum total points: 2*10 = 20

    To be graded positive, a minimum of 10 points from the homework, as well as a minimum of 10 points from the exams are necessary.

    Grades based on total points (homework+exams):

    1 ("Sehr Gut"): ≥ 35 points
    2 ("Gut"): ≥ 30 points
    3 ("Befriedigend"): ≥ 25 points
    4 ("Genügend"): ≥ 20 points
    5 ("Nicht genügend"): < 20 points

    Examination topics

    The exercise sheets cover specific problems which are related to the content of the lectures. The exams will cover parts of the content of the lecture course. They will focus on the fundamental understanding rather than on problem solving.

    Reading list

    The main literature for the course is the book by Philip Nelson:
    Philip Nelson, Biological Physics: Energy, Information, Life. Student Edition. (2020) https://www.physics.upenn.edu/biophys/BPse/

    Furthermore, additional material will be used.

    Other relevant literature:

    Phillips et al, Physical Biology of the Cell, Taylor & Francis Ltd. (2012)

    David Boal, Mechanics of the cell, Cambridge University Press (2012)

    More biological details:

    Alberts et al, Molecular Biology of the cell, Norton & Company (2014)

    Association in the course directory

    M-VAF A 2, M-VAF B, UF MA PHYS 01a, UF MA PHYS 01b, PM-SPEC

    Last modified: Fr 17.01.2025 14:26