Course content

The course includes an understanding of simplified physical models to understand cellular and molecular processes crucial for applications of nanotechnology in life science. Application areas included are bionanosensors, nanomedicine, cells-on-a-chip, design and fabrication of microfluidic devices and novel experimental techniques to study molecules and cells.

Covered topics include: entropy, energy, random walks, diffusion, molecular motors, fluid dynamics at nm to μm scale, electrostatic interactions in water solution and biological electricity. Furthermore, during the course, relevant experimental techniques and theoretical models are described. The knowledge obtained in the course should help students to develop innovative and sustainable solutions towards some of UN’s sustainability goals.

Learning outcome

After completion of the course, the student is able to:

Knowledge:

1) discuss the applicability of simplified physical models on important cellular and molecular functions and processes on the micro-and nanometer scale; to describe the role of entropy, energy, electrostatic interactions in solution, transport phenomena like diffusion and vesicle transport, molecular motors, properties of water on micro- and nanometer scales, random walk, biological electricity, and the mechanical properties of single polymer chains and membranes.

2) design simple microfluidic devices and discuss the physical phenomena that are important for their application.

3) discuss the principles for light-and fluorescence microscopy, atomic force microscopy and optical tweezers.

4) be aware of sustainability and life cycle analysis.

Skills:

5) develop small programming scripts to solve the physical models discussed throughout the course.

6) plan and conduct experiment in a clean room.

7) use and adjust a light microscope to achieve optimal images.

8) apply the obtained knowledge to formulate and analyze problems in bionanoscience.

9) contribute with innovative and sustainable suggestions on how to solve challenges related to UN’s sustainability goals, in particular within "climate action" and "good health" contributing to development of new diagnostics and therapy of various diseases.

General competence:

10) write a scientific report.

11) have an awareness of sustainability and life cycle analysis associated to development of novel innovative solutions.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, exercises with delivery, laboratory exercise with report, project on a selected topic. Delivery of four of five exercises, the project, and the lab report must be approved to be admitted to the exam.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises
• Project
• Laboratory report

Recommended previous knowledge

Statistical thermodynamics, organic chemistry, biotechnology, basic knowledge in physics, mathematics and statistics.

Course materials

Main textbook: Physical Biology of the Cell. Rob Phillips, Jane Kondev, Julie Theriot, Hernan Garcia. ISBN: 9780815344506.

Additional material: To be announced at the start of the semester.

Credit reductions