Outline of Course

For a lecture-by-lecture breakdown of the course last term, (which will probably be similar to this term), go to this year's web page and click on "last year's lectures".

http://wug.physics.uiuc.edu/courses/phys398bio/spring03/index.html

Part I

  1. Physics vs. Biology.
  2. Size, Force, Energy, Time scales & how to measure.
  3. Example of F=ma in biology (motion of bacteria)
  4. The biology players (from atoms to molecules to cells)
    1. Proteins, sugars, fats.
    2. The DNA revolution – gene chips!
  5. Intro to Stat. Mech.: Entropy, Probabilities, Free Energy

Part II: (More) Applications

  1. Enzymes – speeding up reactions.
  2. Diffusion – thermal motion for movement, rxns.
  3. Molecular motors, energy transducers
    1. Myosin, kinesin… motors that move.
      Measuring pN forces & nm motion (optical traps).
    2. Ion channels… electrical energy in you.
  4. Vision & Light : Can you see a single photon?

Student presentations!