Course manual 2017/2018

Course content

  • The building blocks of cells.
  • Statistical physics applied to soft-condensed matter.
  • Random Walks, Friction and Diffusion.
  • Life at low Reynolds number.
  • Entropic forces at work.
  • Chemical forces & self-assembly.
  • The cytoskeleton, a semiflexible, crosslinked polymer network.
  • Enzymes and molecular machines.
  • Molecular motor proteins, the lorrries in our cells.

Study materials

Literature

  • P. Nelson, 'Biological Physics, Energy, Information, Life', New York, W.H.Freeman and Company, 2004, ISBN 0-7167-4372-8. Later editions are also fine.

Other

  • handouts

Objectives

To provide insight into the physics of biological systems and soft condensed matter. In addition we will discuss and illustrate recent examples of the scientific literature in this field.

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Self-study

Learning activities

Activity

Number of hours

Zelfstudie

168

Attendance

Requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

  • In addition to, or instead of, classes in the form of lectures, the elements of the master’s examination programme often include a practical component as defined in article 1.2 of part A. The course catalogue contains information on the types of classes in each part of the programme. Attendance during practical components is mandatory.
  • Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    80%

    Tentamen 1

    100%

    Tentamen 2

    20%

    presentations

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

    Course structure

    Weeknummer Onderwerpen Studiestof
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • prof. dr. ir. G.J.L. Wuite