Physics for Life Sciences
This basic course aims to introduce physical principles that are necessary in modern life sciences, such as biophysical modeling and electromagnetic and optical measurements.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Explain core physical principles—light, matter, electromagnetism, and molecular biophysics—as they apply to biological systems.
Describe the mechanisms underlying major research tools such as fluorescence microscopy, electrophysiology, optogenetics, and magnetic resonance.
Apply basic quantitative and analytical methods to interpret optical, electrical, and magnetic measurements in biological contexts.
Evaluate the capabilities and limitations of physics‑based instrumentation used in modern life‑science research.
Communicate scientific concepts effectively through presentations focused on physics-driven biological technologies.
This course introduces the core physical principles that underpin modern biological research and instrumentation. Topics include light and matter, optical and fluorescence techniques, microscopy, biophotonics, electrophysiology, magnetic resonance, and the biophysics of cells and biomolecules. Emphasis is placed on applying physics concepts to contemporary research areas such as optogenetics, neural recording and stimulation, and advanced imaging. Designed for life science students seeking a foundational understanding of the physical mechanisms that enable today’s biological measurement and analysis technologies.
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
Presentation (33%) Participation (33%) Oral examination
(33%)
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