Physics of Genes 2
Module PH2288
Module version of SS 2020 (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 | |
|---|---|
| SS 2020 | SS 2019 |
Basic Information
PH2288 is a semester module in German or English language at Master’s level which is offered in summer semester.
This module description is valid from SS 2019 to WS 2021/2.
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 | 60 h | 5 CP |
Responsible coordinator of the module PH2288 is Friedrich Simmel.
Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions
Content
1. Biophysics of DNA-binding proteins
2. Searching for binding sites
3. Biophysics of transcription
4. Biophysics of translation
5. Transcriptional regulation
6. Traffic and traffic jams on DNA
7. Regulatory RNA
8. Gene circuit motifs
Optional: information theory, CRISPR technology,
chromatin remodeling, epigenetics
Learning Outcome
After successful completion of the module, students can: 1. Understand and quantitatively describe gene expression processes from a biophysical point of view 2. Follow lectures on the quantitative biology of gene expression and synthetic biology and participate in relevant scientific discussions. 3. Starting from the foundations laid in the lecture, independently educate themselves through literature research 4. Design and model simple gene circuits using computer programs
Preconditions
Knowledge in biophysics, biochemistry and molecular biology. Attending the lecture Physics of Genes 1 is helpful.
Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature
Learning and Teaching Methods
In scientific discussions the students are involved and the independent application
of the basics is promoted on the basis of concrete problems. In the exercise, the
learning content is deepened and practiced by discussing specific problems
of biophysics of gene expression or synthetic biology and related tasks.
Moreover, in the exercises special literature will be read and discussed in detail.
Media
Literature
Vologodskii, Biophysics of DNA, Cambridge University Press
Phillips, Kondev, Theriot, Garcia, Physical Biology of the Cell, Garland Science
Alon, Systems Biology, CRC Press
More literature (scientific publications) will be provided and discussed in the lecture
Module Exam
Description of exams and course work
There will be an oral exam of 25 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using comprehension questions and sample calculations.
For example an assignment in the exam might be:
- Formulate a simple mathematical model for a gene expression process (transcription + translation)
- What are the possibilities for producing a genetic "AND" gate?
- How does CRISPR / Cas9 find its binding target? Discuss the process from a biophysical perspective.
In the exam no learning aids are permitted.
Exam Repetition
The exam may be repeated at the end of the semester.