Physics for Life Sciences

Course Aim

This basic course aims to introduce physical principles that are necessary in modern life sciences, such as biophysical modeling and electromagnetic and optical measurements.

Course Description

Principles of physics of central relevance to modern biological analysis and instrumentation are introduced with an emphasis on application in practical research areas such as electrophysiology, optogenetics, electromagnetics, the interaction of light and matter, and brain recording, stimulation, and imaging.

Course Contents

1 Introduction
2 Nature of light
3 Nature of matter
4 Light-matter interactions
5 Fluorescence and its applications
6 Biophotonics
7 Photosynthesis
8 Optogenetics
9 Linear optics
10 Microscopy
11 Non-linear optics, lasers, two-photon absorption, super-resolution
12 Physics of DNA, lipid membranes and proteins
13 Bioelectricity
14 Electronics for electrophysiology
15 Magnetic resonance

Assessment

Presentation (33%) Participation (33%) Oral examination
(33%)

Textbooks

Atkins Physical Chemistry, by P. Atkins & J. de Paula (2006) Oxford University Press
Introduction to Biophotonics by P.N. Prasad, (2003) J. Wiley & Sons
Foundations of Cellular Neurophysiology by D. Johnston & S.M-S. Wu (1994) The MIT Press
Guide to Research Techniques in Neuroscience by M. Carter & J. Shieh (2015) Academic Press

Research Specialties