Frontiers in Biophysics
CHEM 163
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
This interdisciplinary course will explore the physical interactions that underpin life: the interactions of molecules, macromolecular structures, membranes, and cells in warm, wet, squishy environments. Topics will include Brownian motion, diffusion in a potential field, continuum mechanics of polymers, rods, and membranes, electrophysiology and excitable media, low Reynolds number flow, interfacial forces, electrostatics in solution. The course will also cover recently developed biophysical tools, including laser tweezers, superresolution microscopies, and optogenetics. Numerical simulations will be used extensively.
Course Notes
Primarily for advanced undergraduate students and graduate students with either biological or physical backgrounds.
Class Notes
During April registration, students should enroll in the placeholder discussion (DIS) section. We will collect preferences and assign students to a section time in August.
Recommended Prep
Chemistry 160, Chemistry 161, or permission of the instructor.
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
NOTE: This course requires additional sections; you will be prompted to choose secondary components during the Add to Cart process
