Introduction to Biophysics

Module PH2007

This module handbook serves to describe contents, learning outcome, methods and examination type as well as linking to current dates for courses and module examination in the respective sections.

Module version of WS 2013/4 (current)

There are historic module descriptions of this module. A module description is valid until replaced by a newer one.

Whether the module’s courses are offered during a specific semester is listed in the section Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature below.

available module versions
WS 2013/4	WS 2011/2

Basic Information

PH2007 is a semester module in German or English language at Master’s level which is offered in winter semester.

If not stated otherwise for export to a non-physics program the student workload is given in the following table.

Total workload	Contact hours	Credits (ECTS)
150 h	75 h	5 CP

Responsible coordinator of the module PH2007 is Andreas Bausch.

Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions

Content

This module provides an introduction to the molecular biophysics. After a technical and historical motivation the molecular components of biology are introduced and their physical properties discussed. It will be described how biology exploits the self-assembly processes to build complex nanomachines. Furthermore, physical methods for the study of biomolecules are introduced and the function of proteins is demonstrated on the bases of examples. The physical basis of pattern formation, as it appears for example in the morphogenesis, are introduced.

Learning Outcome

After successful completion of this module, the students are able to

explain the structure, the structure and the various functions of proteins and to calculate the kinetics
to understand and to explain the structure and the various functions of DNA and RNA
to study the kinetic control of enzymes on the basis of examples
to understand the process of diffusion and the physical and biological implications and to describe it quantitatively
to understand the basic mechanisms of self-organization and to describe it physically.

Preconditions

No prerequisites in addition to the admission criteria for Master's studies.

Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature

Courses and Schedule

WS 2013/4 WS 2012/3 WS 2011/2

Type	SWS	Title	Lecturer(s)	Dates	Links
VO	2	Introduction to Biophysics	Bausch, A.	Wed, 14:00–15:30, PH 3024	documents
PS	2	Introduction to Biophysics	Bausch, A.	Wed, 16:00–18:00, PH 3024

Learning and Teaching Methods

lecture
beamer presentation
exercises in individual and group work
discussion
student presentations

Media

exercise sheets
current research papers

Literature

Textbooks for biophysics, e.g.:

E. Sackmann: Biophysik
Phil Nelson: Biological Physics: Energy, Information, Life
Rob Phillips: Physical Biology of the Cell
Meyer B. Jackson: Molecular and Cellular Biophysics
Alberts et al.: Molecular Biology of the Cell

Module Exam

Description of exams and course work

In order to deepen and extend the contents of the lecture in the course of the seminar each student individually prepares a talk on a topic of current research as course work.

In an oral exam the learning outcome is tested using comprehension questions and sample problems. The module grade is the grade for this exam.

Exam Repetition

The exam may be repeated at the end of the semester.