Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - PHYS 847 G200

Biological and Soft-Matter Physics (3)

Class Number: 1980

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Location: TBA

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:50 p.m.
    Location: TBA

  • Prerequisites:

    Recommended prerequisite: PHYS 445 or equivalent.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to one of several topics in biological and soft-matter physics. Recent versions have focused on physical perspectives on molecular and cell biology: the roles of diffusion, entropy, free energy, and information in the structural, material, and functional properties of living and soft-matter systems.

COURSE DETAILS:

Review of molecular biology
Numbers, lengthscales, timescales, and energy scales
Experimental techniques, especially single-molecule biophysics
Polymer physics
Random walks, diffusion, and entropic forces
Structural and material properties of biomolecules: nucleic acids, proteins, membranes
Energy, entropy, free energy, and molecular machines
Cell mechanics and the cytoskeleton
Life at low Reynolds number
Information processing, cell circuits, chemotaxis, and development

Grading

  • Homework 50%
  • Research proposal 20%
  • Final 30%

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html