Biomolecular Interaction Networks

3 units

This course builds on the core concepts taught in Bioengineering Thermodynamics (BME 3200). It will cover topics pertaining to the foundations of equilibrium statistical physics, the statistical thermodynamics and kinetics of folding and binding, enzyme catalyzed reactions, polymer physics concepts that are useful for understanding the functions of intrinsically disordered proteins, physical concepts of macromolecular phase transitions, topics from soft matter physics that are relevant to understanding material properties of biomolecular condensates, concepts from network science, and emerging topics that lie at the intersection of equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical physics. The emphasis of the course will be on teaching concepts, formulating problems, and applying the concepts to solve key problems in cell signaling, cellular-level decision making, and process control, all influenced by biomolecular interaction networks. The course will lean heavily on numerical methods that are crucial to understanding and modeling biomolecular interaction networks. No assumptions will be made regarding prior knowledge beyond familiarity taught in a first course on thermodynamics. Fluency with multivariate calculus and a first course in differential equations will be helpful. Performance in the course will be based on homework assignments and take-home projects that emphasize absorption and understanding of concepts.