course-details-portlet

TFY4310 - Molecular Biophysics

About

Examination arrangement

Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Letter grades

Evaluation Weighting Duration Grade deviation Examination aids
School exam 100/100 4 hours C

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 who 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 (bio)polymers 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

Further on evaluation

The re-sit examination (in August) may be changed from written to oral.

The exam may be given in English only.

Required previous knowledge

Knowledge in physics, mathematics and chemistry corresponding to 2,5 years university studies in physics.

Course materials

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

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From To
SIF4090 7.5
FY8911 7.5 AUTUMN 2017
TFY4335 3.0 AUTUMN 2020
More on the course

No

Facts

Version: 1
Credits:  7.5 SP
Study level: Second degree level

Coursework

Term no.: 1
Teaching semester:  SPRING 2025

Language of instruction: English, Norwegian

Location: Trondheim

Subject area(s)
  • Biophysics and Medical Technology
  • Biophysics
  • Physics
Contact information
Course coordinator: Lecturer(s):

Department with academic responsibility
Department of Physics

Examination

Examination arrangement: School exam

Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
Spring ORD School exam 100/100 C INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
Summer UTS School exam 100/100 C INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
  • * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
Examination

For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"

More on examinations at NTNU