PHYSICAL CELL BIOLOGY: THE FORCES OF LIFE
Investigate a wide range of phenomena found in biology with respect to the underlying physical principles involved. Study both simple examples and those from the primary research literature to learn how cells have evolved to count biomolecules, convert one form of energy to another, move from place to place, express genes, and replicate. Understand how quantitative approaches provide tools for understanding the complexities of life and appreciate its wonder.
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: BIOCHEM 501 , 507 , or graduate/professional standing Course Designation: Core GenEd - Natural Science & Wellness Breadth - Biological Science Level - Advanced L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement Repeatable for Credit: No Learning Outcomes: 1. Describe the physical properties of biomolecules including their size, shapes, weights, abundances, and how fast they are made or degraded. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 2. Apply quantitative equations to describe and predict the production of biomolecules, observation of phenotypes, or other cellular events. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 3. Describe how cells can interconvert different forms of energy, how energy can be converted into mechanical work, and the amounts of energy used by or produced by cells under various conditions. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 4. Use Python programming and Colab notebooks to carry out simulations of biological processes. Audience: Graduate 5. Read and critically evaluate scientific manuscripts in the area of quantitative cell biology. Audience: Graduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Describe the physical properties of biomolecules including their size, shapes, weights, abundances, and how fast they are made or degraded. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 2. Apply quantitative equations to describe and predict the production of biomolecules, observation of phenotypes, or other cellular events. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 3. Describe how cells can interconvert different forms of energy, how energy can be converted into mechanical work, and the amounts of energy used by or produced by cells under various conditions. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 4. Use Python programming and Colab notebooks to carry out simulations of biological processes. Audience: Graduate 5. Read and critically evaluate scientific manuscripts in the area of quantitative cell biology. Audience: Graduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027