Biophysical currents bannerCurrent Topics in Biophysics (SC/BPHS 2090 3.0)

Current Topics in Biophysics (SC/BPHS 2090.03 crosslisted as SC/BIOL 2090.03)

Galvani's frog An introduction to biophysics highlighting major themes in pure and applied biophysical research. Included is coverage of fundamental concepts in fluid mechanics. The course will present students with an overview of the role of physics in biological research.

Prerequisites

SC/PHYS 1010 6.00 or SC/PHYS 1410 6.00 or SC/PHYS 1420 6.00; SC/BIOL 1000 3.00 and SC/BIOL 1001 3.00 or SC/BIOL 1410 6.00.

Course Directors

Stanislaw Jerzak and Roger R. Lew

Other Information

This course will introduce students to biological physics. A current topics format gives the course director latitude to choose topics that illuminate both biology and physics, and to bring in guest lecturers from many disciplines that require a biophysics background. Sample Topics: life and cycle, biomechanics, biological pumps, nanomoters, molecular spectroscopy, laser biophysics, nuclear physics and nuclear magnetic resonance. Guest lectures may include bio-imaging, high energy particle beam applications in biology, nuclear magnetic spectroscopy etc. For Biophysics majors: Concepts surveyed in this course will be further expanded in the third and fourth year biophysics courses. For Biology and other majors: Students are expected to be comfortable with introductory calculus.

Course Goals

The objective of the course is to help students to integrate the knowledge gained in first year biology and physics courses and to expose students to modern topics in biophysics. Maple seeds

Mark Distribution

Assignment Submission: Proper academic performance depends on students doing their work not only well, but on time. Accordingly, assignments for this course must be received on the due date specified for the assignment.

Lateness Penalty: Assignments received later than the due date will be penalized (usually 10% for the first day, 20% for the second, 40% for the third, ad infinitum).

Missed Tests: Students with a documented reason for missing a course test, such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc., which is confirmed by supporting documentation (e.g., doctor's letter) will have the weight of the missed term test (15%) transferred to the final exam.

Accommodation Statement

If you are registered with one of York's Disabilities Programs (PSMDS or LDS), please make an appointment with the course director to discuss any academic accommodations you need. (Alternatively, you can ask the appropriate office to contact me on your behalf.) If you need academic accommodations and are not registered with the PSMDS/LDS, please contact the appropriate office directly. See: Physical, Sensory and Medical Disability Services | Learning Disabilities Services