Time Schedule:
Gerald Miller
PHYS 429
Seattle Campus
Application of the concepts and methods of physics to biological systems. Prerequisite: PHYS 123; PHYS 224; PHYS 227.
Class description
The use of physical models to describe biological systems. Techniques from statistical mechanics, electromagnetism and elementary mathematical methods will be used to understand how biological cells work.
Student learning goals
Why physical models are useful in biology.
Make estimates to understand the size and contents of biological cells.
Use the idea of random walks and diffusion to understand the basics of polymers and how diffusion works in cells.
Understand the Boltzmann distribution and how to apply it to biological systems.
Apply electrostatic theory to understand binding and assembly reactions in biology.
Understand hydrodynamics of living things
General method of instruction
Lecture and homework sets.
Recommended preparation
Physics 121-123, 227
Class assignments and grading
The problem sets will involve calculations that apply physics to biology. Emphasis will be placed on being able to quantitatively and analytically analyze biological problems using physics tools.
Grades will be based on homework assignments and one paper to be handed in at the end of the class.
