Biophysics (BS)

Chemistry of organic compounds.

Thermodynamics, equilibrium, states of matter, solutions and chemical kinetics.

Covers two major topics in physics, both dealing with forms of energy and momentum and how they are transmitted in space. Covers mechanics and dynamics, describing how bodies with mass move under various types of forces. Also covers electromagnetism, which describes how electric charges and magnets, and their motions, generate fields of force. Also describes how time-varying electric and magnetic fields are associated with electromagnetic waves, which include light.

Photons, models of the atom, wave properties of matter, introduction to wave mechanics, 1-D systems in quantum mechanics.

What are the stable states of biomolecules? How do molecules interact? What forces drive molecules to bond and associate, to adsorb, to permeate through membranes, to undergo chemical reactions, to undergo conformational changes? Why are some changes gradual, as in the weakening of a ligand interaction with temperature, and others sudden (cooperative) such as protein folding or the insolubility of oil in water? Addresses these questions by statistical thermodynamics, a collection of principles and models that when combined with thermodynamics, aim to explain molecular forces and flows.

Offers selected experiments from contemporary biophysics. Emphasizes modern instrumentation, computer-assisted acquisition and analysis of data, and report writing. Emphasizes the importance of good notebook keeping.

Offers selected subjects from biological physics covering the length scales from biomolecules to cells. Builds on knowledge acquired from thermodynamics and statistical mechanics to formulate basic principles behind the working of life systems. Free energy, entropic forces, chemical potentials and electrostatic interactions rule the \

Surveys major topics in cell biology, including structural, biochemical, and molecular aspects of cell function.

Principles and mechanisms of physiological regulation in animals, with a focus on humans.