Spring 2024 - PHYS 347 D100
Introduction to Biological Physics (3)
Class Number: 2347
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 24, 2024
Wed, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Nancy Forde
nforde@sfu.ca
1 778 782-3161
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Prerequisites:
Completion of 45 units including CHEM 122; MATH 152 or MATH 155; PHYS 102 or PHYS 121 or PHYS 126 or PHYS 141; all with a minimum grade of C-. Recommended: BISC 101.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
A physics perspective on cellular structure and composition; random walks and diffusion; properties of fluids, cell motion; entropy and the properties of soft materials; structure and function of proteins; signal propagation in nerves. Quantitative.
COURSE DETAILS:
Lecture: Mon, We, Fr 12:30-1:30pm
Tutorial: Wed 3:30-4:30pm
Course Topics (provisional):
Physics & biology: the big picture
The building blocks of cells
Molecular motion and the cellular environment
Random walks and diffusion
Fluids and life at low Reynolds number
Entropy, free energy & statistical mechanics
Mechanical properties of biopolymers
Biological membranes
Molecular Motors
Pumps and other cellular gates
Nerve Impulses
Special Topics
Grading
- Assignments 15%
- Independent project 15%
- Term tests 35%
- Final exam 35%
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Required Text: Physical Biology of the cell by Rob Phillips, Jané Kondev, Julie Theriot, Hernan Garcia and Jane Konde (2nd Edition). Available on SFU Bookstore.
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Department Undergraduate Notes:
Students who cannot write their exam during the course's scheduled exam time must request accommodation from their instructor in writing, clearly stating the reason for this request, within one week of the final exam schedule being posted.
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