NBE-E4100 - Molecular Biophysics D, Lecture, 8.1.2025-4.6.2025

Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After passing the course the student is able to

  • apply the concepts of Entropy and Free energy in the analysis of energetics of biomolecules and biomolecular assemblies

  • adopt physical models for description of biomolecular systems

  • use basic mathematical and computational tools to describe the behavior of biomolecular structures and their dynamics.

  • understand the balance of forces determining the structure and dynamics of cellular structures.

  • describe experimental methods used for investigation of molecular processes in biological systems.

  • take the basic steps of cross-disciplinary analysis (theory, modelling, experiments) to understand the biomolecular phenomena.

  • interpret recent developments, opportunities, challenges and open questions in the field of molecular biophysics.

 

Credits: 5

Schedule: 08.01.2025 - 04.06.2025

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Anton Kuzyk

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    • Fundamentals of biomolecules: Biopolymers (nucleic acids and proteins)
    • Binding phenomena.
    • Diffusion and transport
    • Cell biomechanics
    • Structural dynamics of biomolecules and their assemblies and the molecular driving forces.
    • Molecular machines

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Active participation in teaching and exercises, quizzes,  exam.

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    • Lecture: contact teaching 12 x 2h

    • Exercises: contact teaching 11 x 2h

    • Self-study: lecture materials, book: 36h

    • Self-study: exercises: 44h

    • exam and exam preparation: 9

DETAILS

Study Material

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    • Rob Phillips et al Physical biology of the cell
    • Lecture slides
    • Supplementary material as announced later.

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language: English

    Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring III - V
    2025-2026 No teaching

Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof