Physics of Biological Systems

The application of physical principles to biological systems is an exciting and rapidly evolving feld of research. Methods of equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical physics, stochastic processes, non-linear dynamics and polymer physics, among others have helped understand the guiding principles of a variety of biological processes. In this course,we will attempt to provide an introduction to the physics of biological systems using theoretical tools, with examples from diverse areas of biology such as pattern formation, low Reynolds number fows, cytoskeleton and motors and transport in cells, gene expression and chromatin organisation, among others.INTENDED AUDIENCE : All Engineering studentsPREREQUISITES : Statistical Mechanics (Preferred, not a hard prerequisite)INDUSTRY SUPPORT : NA

Week 1 : Introduction to Biophysics, Spatial and temporal scalesWeek 2 : Random walks and diffusion in biology, FRAP, cell signalingWeek 3 : Diffusion and capture processes, Mean capture timesWeek 4 : Fluid flows in biology, viscosity and Navier Stokes equationWeek 5 : Life at low Reynolds number, Scallop theorem and bacterial flagellaWeek 6 : Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics: Energy, entropy, free energyWeek 7 : Two-state systems, cooperative binding, HemoglobinWeek 8 : Polymers and biopolymers, Entropic elasticity, persistence lengthWeek 9 : Force spectroscopy, HP model of protein folding, Chromosome modelsWeek 10 : Life in crowded environments, Depletion forcesWeek 11 : Biological dynamics and rate equations, motors and filamentsWeek 12 : Pattern formation in biology, Reaction-diffusion systems