Biological Physics

An introduction to biological physics at the cellular and supra-cellular scales, with an emphasis on understanding how robust biological function emerges from the interactions of systems of molecules, genes, and cells. Topics will be drawn from research literature of the past 20 years including signal transduction and cellular information processing, the effects of noise in living cells, the active mechanics of the cytoskeleton, and pattern formation and morphogenesis in animal development. We will pay particular attention to the process of model-building and the role that quantitative, physical models can play in shaping our understanding of biological systems. Physical and mathematical background developed as needed. The offerings of 600-level courses change on a term-by-term basis. Refer to the Schedule of Classes to see what courses are offered in a given term.