Course content

The course focuses on the application of selected topics within physics to describe the molecular properties of biological molecules and biopolymer assemblies, and some of the most commonly used techniques for the determination of these properties.

Learning outcome

A student that has successfully completed the course has obtained knowledge within:

(i) the main types of intramolecular and intermolecular interactions;

(ii) molecular theories used for the description of biopolymers and their physical properties, phase stability of polymer solutions, and deformation and swelling of polymer and polyelectrolyte networks;

(iii) the self-assembly behavior of amphiphilic molecules in aqueous solution;

(iv) the underlying theory for the most important techniques used to study the physical, thermodynamic, hydrodynamic, spectroscopic and scattering properties.

A student that has successfully completed the course has acquired the following skills:

(i) discuss how intramolecular and intermolecular interactions affect (a) the conformation and dynamic properties of macromolecules, and (b) the interactions between macromolecules and other solutes in aqueous solution;

(ii) application of the relevant molecular theories to describe physical properties of polymers with emphasis on biomacromolecules such as proteins, polysaccharides and nucleic acids;

(iii) relate the structural properties of amphiphilic molecules with the properties of the formed phases;

(iv) evaluate and discuss the applicability of the studied techniques to a variety of biophysical systems;

(v) operate selected instrumental set-ups and molecular modeling packages, interpret and critically evaluate the obtained data, and summarize the results in a written report.

A student that has successfully completed the course has enhanced their general competence in: preparation and execution of lab exercises, and critical analysis and discussion of results.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, problem solving and laboratory exercises/demonstrations. Expected workload in the course is 225 hours.

Compulsory assignments

• Lab exercise

Recommended previous knowledge

Knowledge in physics, mathematics and chemistry according to three years university studies in physics.

Course materials

Elgsæter, Mikkelsen, Næss, and Dias: Molecular Biophysics, compendium.

Credit reductions