Topics in biophysics and physical biology

Summary 

This course provides exposure to research in biophysics and physical biology, with emphasis on the nature of scientific breakthroughs, and using critical reading of scientific literature. Each week, we will discuss the research of one recipient of the Max Delbruck Prize in Biological Physics. 

Content 

What constitutes a scientific breakthrough? An outstanding contribution to a scientific field? We will examine these questions by delving into the research of several recipients of the Max Delbruck Prize in Biological Physics, awarded bi-annually/annually by the American Physical Society. Course materials include video lectures by the prize recipients, as well as scientific literature. Students will have the opportunity to analyze, synthesize, and present synopses of chosen areas in Biological Physics. 

Week 1

Course overview

Video on Science Magazine's breakthrough of the year, 2024:
https://healthcare.utah.edu/newsroom/news/2024/12/hiv-drug-based-research-sundquist-lab-sciences-2024-breakthrough-of-year

Week 2

Introduction: Structure

Week 3

George Feher and Roderick Clayton

Week 4

Peter Wolynes

Jose Onuchic and Kenneth Dill

Week 5

Outlook on Structure

Week 6

Week 7

Paul Hansma

Week 8

Carlos Bustamante

Week 9

Steven Block

Week 10

Outlook on Collective properties

The overview text for this module is "Collective Motion." These are the sections you should read as support for the lecture:

1. Introduction
1.1. The basic questions we address
1.2. Collective behavior
1.3. The main difference between equilibrium and self-propelled systems
1.4. Goals to be achieved

2. Basics of the statistical mechanics of flocking
2.1. Principles and concepts
2.2. Definitions and expressions
2.3. Correlation functions

3. Observations and experiments

3.3 Bacterial colonies
3.5. Insects
3.9. Lessons from the observations

4. Basic models
4.1. Simplest self-propelled particle (SPP) models
4.4. Exact results
4.4.1. The Cucker–Smale model

5. Modeling actual systems

5.1.3 Bacterial swarms
5.3.1. Insects

6. Summary and conclusions

Week 11

William Bialek

Week 12

Irine Giardina, Andrea Cavagna

Week 13

Student presentations

Week 14

Student presentations