| Unit name | Biophysics 321 |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHYS31211 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Nick Brook |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
The award of 120 credit points of units at level I comprising programme in Physics, Physics with Astrophysics, a joint honours programme in Mathematics and Physics or Physics and Philosophy, or a Chemical Physics programme.Students taking this unit who have not studied Biology at A-level or equivalent will be required to read the first three chapters of &�Molecular Cell Biology, Darnell, Lodish, Baltimore, Freeman and Company, New York &� and take a short on-line diagnostic test to ensure they grasp the important material that will be assumed in the course. |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Physics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit introduces physicists to the molecules of living organisms and explains how physics contributes to the molecular understanding of life processes. The focus is on three-dimensional structures and hierarchical organisation levels of bio-molecules and the physical techniques which elucidate their architecture, as well as their function. The importance of the relationship between structure and function at the single molecule level is emphasized; thermodynamic concepts are introduced to describe molecular function and pattern formation as an inherent property of complex systems is discussed.
Aims:
To introduce the molecular basis of living organisms and to the way in which physics contributes to the understanding of life processes at the molecular level. The course focuses on molecular structures and their function introducing physical techniques and concepts that enable single molecule measurements and analysis.
Students will:
possess a basic knowledge of concepts used to describe complex systems and the formation of patterns.
Lectures, problems classes, directed reading.
The unit will be assessed with a 1 hour written examination (60% of the marks) and submitted course work( remaining 40%) a 3000 word essay. A structured proforma will be used to provide qualitative feedback on how well the essay topic was covered and the overall structure of the essay.
