Cell biophysics

This course introduces selected subjects in the broad area of cell biology that can be studied applying physical principles and techniques. Emphasis will be given on how the integrated activity of biomolecules fulfill a cellular task, such as cell motility, self-sustained oscillators and signaling cascades propagating and amplifying a signal in time and space. The aim is to show what quantitative tools can achieve beyond the mere collecting and archiving of facts. The final goal is to translate simple cellular systems into mathematical equation for modeling. By devising models, non-obvious quantitative predictions are derived which can be experimentally tested and may lead to connect different and apparently unrelated phenomena. The course consists of lectures, experimental lab work and solution of practical problems meant to facilitate a quantitative understanding of cellular functions.

At the end of this course the students will understand the physical principles of basic cellular functions and how data from high-resolution techniques provide information on dynamic cellular systems. Students will be able to perform basic calculations of the strengths of physical interactions within cells and understand complex experimental setups in modern biophysics. During the course students will read and critique original papers and will be trained to present them in front of the class in order to learn how to correctly interpret and communicate results.