Theoretical Biophysics (MVBP2, MVSpec)

Content

This course is MVBP2 in the modul handbook and is addressed to physics master students with an interest in biophysics. Motivated bachelor or PhD-students are also most welcome, as are students from neighboring disciplines. There are two lectures each week, each for 90 minutes, plus weekly homework and exercises. Together you can earn 6 credit points from this course. This lecture can be used for the oral master examination if combined with e.g. the lecture on statistical physics or the lecture on simulation methods, or with two short specialized lectures (like non-linear or stochastic dynamics). The details for the tutorial will be discussed in the first lecture, which is on Tue April 15.

Previous knowledge

A background in statistical physics and/or experimental biophysics is helpful, but not required.

Objectives

Get a broad overview over the way concepts and methods from theoretical physics are being used to understand and analyze biological systems.

Type of exam

Oral examination upon request, otherwise 60% of exercise credits required for pass without grade.

Recommended reading

A script is availabe from earlier editions of this lecture. A standard textbook would be R. Phillips, J. Kondev and J. Theriot, Physical Biology of the Cell, 2nd edition, Garland Sci. 2012.