Welcome
BERN08/EXTQ02: Theoretical Biophysics, 7.5 credits
This is an advanced level (second cycle) course in computational science, course code BERN08 (previously BERN05), given by the Centre for Environmental and Climate Science (CEC). The course is also given to students at LTH in the F, N, and BME programs, course code EXTQ02 Links to an external site. (previously EXTQ01 Links to an external site.). For PhD students, the course code is NMV009F. The course was previously given by the Department of Astronomy and Theoretical Physics with the course code FYTN05.
Note: this page contains general information about the course. If you are a student on the course you have to log in to the Canvas portal to the left to see the 2025 course instance. The course calendar and course stream on this page are not active.
Course contents
The course aims to impart knowledge of physics topics related to biology. You will learn about various physical processes of fundamental importance in biology, including diffusion, osmotic pressure and cooperative transitions, and how they are described using theoretical concepts taken primarily from statistical mechanics. You will also learn about the motion of biopolymers, the function of molecular machines and signal propagation in neurons.
The course begins with a brief primer on cell and molecular biology, aimed at physicists and others who have not previously studied biology. This part of the course gives a broad description of biological structures and functions that are then explored and described with equations in the following parts of the course.
As part of the course, you will make an oral group presentation about a relevant topic. The course also contains two computer exercises where you will explore phenomena in biophysics.
The course is taught in three parts, covering topics such as:
- Cell composition and contents
- Macromolecules such as DNA and proteins
- Brownian motion and biological applications of diffusion
- Viscous flows
- Entropy and free energy
- Entropic forces and osmotic pressure
- Chemical potential
- Molecular mechanisms and machines
General information
- Period: Spring term, study period 1, half speed
- Cycle: second cycle
- Language: English
- Form of teaching: Lectures, computer assignments, student seminars. Note that 1/3 or the lectures will be in. flipped classroom format.
- Assessment: Oral exams (three parts), written reports, student seminars (oral group presentations)
- Grading scale: U-G-VG (BERN08), U-3-4-5 (EXTQ02)
- BERN08 syllabus: in English Download in English and in Swedish Download in Swedish
- EXTQ02 syllabus: in English Download in English and in Swedish Download in Swedish
- NMV009 syllabus: in Swedish Download in Swedish
- Course evaluations: from 2005 and onwards
Schedule
For information about the current schedule, see the 2025 schedule in TimeEdit Links to an external site.. There you will find the time and location of the mandatory introductory meeting.
Course literature
- Physical Biology of the Cell, second edition Rob Phillips, Jane Kondev, Julie Theriot, Hernan G. Garcia. Garland Science (2012). (Bokfynd Links to an external site., Campusbokhandeln Links to an external site.)
Teachers
All teachers are located at Computational Science for Health and Environment (COSHE, formerly CBBP), CEC, with offices on floor 5 of the Geocentrum II building.
- Carl Troein (course coordinator), email: carl.troein@cec.lu.se, phone: 046-222 30 03
- Anders Irbäck, email: anders.irback@cec.lu.se, phone: 046-222 34 93
- Tobias Ambjörnsson, email: tobias.ambjornsson@cec.lu.se, phone: 046-222 90 81
Applications
Apply through antagning.se Links to an external site.. The course will be open for late applications near the start of the study period.
Additional information may be available on the lu.se course page(s): in Swedish / in English.
PhD students are welcome to join the course, with supervisor approval. it is advisable to contact us in advance to get added to the course on Canvas.