The course gives a comprehensive understanding of how the properties of biological systems are determined by basic physical laws, and provides and introduction to physical models for molecular and cellular processes.

Gain a comprehensive understanding of how the properties of biological systems are determined by basic physical laws, have an understanding of and be able to do mathematical calculations on some models for molecular and cellular processes, and be able to orient oneself further within the scientific literature on biological physics. The student should also be able to write a scientific report and put forward the results in an oral presentation. Know and understand i) how cells are built, ii) how a diffusive transport process is the result of random movements on the microscopic level and how the equation of diffusion may be deduced, iii) hydronamics at small spatial scales (cellular level), iv) what entropies forces are and how they work, v) chemical forces, vi) cooperative transitions in macromolecules, vii) enzymes and molecular machines, and viii) basic properties of electrically excitable cells. Be able to orient oneself and gain knowledge from scientific books on biological physics and ordinary scientific articles. Understand that the divisions between the natural sciences - physics, chemistry and biology - are made by man and that natural science is actually one continuous science.

Lectures that cover central ideas and theories in biological physics with an emphasis on the physics at the cellular level. In the calculation exercises, both analytical solutions and numerical solutions obtained from a computer may be used.

The students will be able to meet with the course teacher outside of the structured teaching hours.

Parts from: Biological Physics - Energy, Information, Life, Philip Nelson.

Basic mathematics, computer science and physics.

Course group in physics. FYS200 Classical Physics.

Final oral examination based on the course curriculum.

300 hours.

Special requirements in Science

Lectures: 48 hours. Exercises: approximately 24 hours.

In addition to taking part in the oral examination, the examiner will be asked to contribute with an evaluation of the contents and teaching arrangements of the course.