Physics

GENERAL OBJECTIVES Biological physics is the endeavour to understand the phenomena of life in parallel with physicists' understanding of the inanimate world. The main objective of the course is to guide the student through a review of fundamental problems in biology analysed as additional chapters of the general physics program acquired during the bachelor’s degree. Knowledge of mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics will be extended to provide a quantitative description of biological phenomena, from the atomic and molecular scale, through cellular mechanisms to the collective behaviour of cells and animals. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES A - Knowledge and understanding OF 1) To know and understand the mechanics of cellular components OF 2) To know and understand the modelling of electrical and electromagnetic phenomena in the cell OF 3) To know and understand the main stochastic and thermodynamic aspects in the biological world OF 4) To know and understand some modern experimental techniques for the quantitative analysis of biological processes B - Application skills OF 5) To be able to elaborate quantitative estimates of the main physical characteristics of biological processes OF 6) To be able to elaborate analytical and numerical models for the description of biological phenomena C - Autonomy of judgement OF 7) To exploit acquired knowledge to formulate models capable of describing situations not covered in the course D - Communication skills OF 8) Being able to communicate an advanced concept in writing OF 9) Being able to present a current line of research in biophysics E - Ability to learn OF 10) To have the ability to independently consult scientific texts and articles in order to deepen certain topics introduced during the course.