Course Name: Biological Physics
Course Number: PH591
Course Credits: This course combines approximately 90 hours of instruction, and assignments for 3 credits.
Prerequisites: PH 320, PH 421, PH 422 and PH 423 or equivalent junior-level background in classical mechanics, and thermodynamics.
Some basic scientific computing is also very helpful for this class. Most projects needs some programing. If you can do the following tasks, then you are prepared for the projects. If not, you are still welcome to the class but you would need to learn from your group members.
Simulate a projectile motion by iterating small time steps.
Given a grayscale image find the brightest spot in it.
Given an array of numbers show the probability distribution of the data and collect the top 10% of the numbers
Course Description: Living systems are complex. However, that does not mean we cannot use simple physics and mathematics to understand the principles of living systems. In this course, we will build deterministic (such as chemical reaction) and stochastic (such as random walk) models that highlight the operational and organizational principles of cells and multicellular organisms.
Course Content: Stochastic model of ion channels, ion pumps, one-state and two-state model of molecular motors, polymerization force, active and passive transport in cells, physical limits of cellular sensing, physical models of cell signal amplification, proofreading, and relay, networks dynamics of neurons, Hopfield model of brain memory storage and retrieval.
Course Specific Measurable Student Learning Outcomes:
Students can apply minimal models to interpret the physics of ion channels, ion pumps, molecular motors, cellular signal processing, and brain dynamics. Students can use computational tools to analyze certain types of experimental data.
This course is not a Bacc Core Course.
Evaluation of Student Performance:
The final score is calculated based on mini projects (60%), and major projects (40%). Mini projects are done by groups of two, and requires 5-7min presentations; while major projects are done by groups of four, and requires 10 min presentations plus written reports.
Learning Resources (all optional):
Physical Biology of the Cell, Rob Phillips, Jane Kondev, Julie Theriot and Hernan Garcia.
Biophysics: Searching for Principles, William Bialek
Statement Regarding Students with Disabilities: Accommodations for students with disabilities are determined and approved by Disability Access Services (DAS). If you, as a student, believe you are eligible for accommodations but have not obtained approval please contact DAS immediately at 541-737-4098 or at http://ds.oregonstate.edu. DAS notifies students and faculty members of approved academic accommodations and coordinates implementation of those accommodations. While not required, students and faculty members are encouraged to discuss details of the implementation of individual accommodations.
The DAS Statement is posted online at: ds.oregonstate.edu/faculty-advisors (4/14/16).
Student Conduct Expectations link: