Phys551: Biological Physics

Spring 2007

Course Description

This course will cover fundamentals of biological physics. The basic concepts will first be reviewed. The cells and their components will be visited briefly. Diffusion and random walks and their application to biological systems will be described. Entropy and energy concepts and their roles in biological systems will be discussed. Molecular machines will be introduced. Finally, modern methods such as AFM, single molecule techniques, and their applications to molecular motors will be presented.

Instructor

Ching-Hwa Kiang
Office: 107 Herzstein Hall
Office Hours: TBA
Email: chkiang@rice.edu
Telephone: 348-4130

T.A.

Nolan Harris
Office: M2 Herzstein Hall
Office Hours: TBA
Email: nolanh@rice.edu
Telephone: 348-4131

Class Meetings

The class will meet Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00pm to 2:15pm, in 118 Herzstein Hall.

Textbook

  • Philip Nelson, Biological Physics, W.H. Freeman and Company (2004), ISBN 0716743728.

    Reference Texts

  • R. M. J. Cotterill, Biophysics: An Introduction, Wiley, John & Sons (2002).

  • M. Daune, Molecular Biophysics: Structures and Dynamics, Oxford University Press (1999).

  • L. Stryer, Biochemistry, 5th ed., W.H. Freeman, New York (2003).

  • Cantor and Schimmel, Biophysical Chemistry, I, II, III, W.H. Freeman, New York (1980).

  • D.A. McQuarrie, Statistical Mechanics, Harper & Row, New York (1976).

    Grading

    The final grade will be determined as follows: 
    Homework: 50%
Presentation: 50%

    Important Dates

    8 January 2007 - first day of class
    5-9 March 2007 - Midterm recess (no classes)
    5-6 April 2007 - Spring recess (no classes)
    24 April 2007 - last day of class

    Honor Code

    The Rice Honor Code applies.

    Homework Policy

    Homework assignments will be given every other week on Tuesday. Homework will be due the following Tuesday. Late homework will not be accepted. You are allowed to collaborate with fellow students on your homework. You may not consult answer keys (from previous years, etc.) The homework you turn in must represent your own understanding. Homework solutions will be available one week after it is due.

    Presentation

    Each person will give a 45 minute presentation in class. The presentation should be based on a topic related to biological physics of your choice.

    Tentative Outline of the Course

  • The cells and their components
  • Diffusion, random walks, and friction in biology
  • Entropy and free energy
  • Chemical reactions
  • Cooperative Transitions in Macromolecules
  • Enzymes and Molecular Machines
  • Biological Membranes
  • Modern Methods in biological Physics