Quantitative modelling of the building blocks of life, 7.5 Credits
The course is discontinued
Swedish name: Kvantitativ modellering av livets byggstenar
This syllabus is valid: 2016-10-31
and until further notice
Course code: 5BI216
Credit points: 7.5
Education level: Second cycle
Main Field of Study and progress level:
Biology: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Physics: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass with merit, Pass, Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Department of Plant Physiology
Established by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2019-06-04
Contents
The technical development leads to a more precise measurement of cellular processes in time and space, which simultaneously provides an opportunity to more accurately design and test quantitative models of cellular processes. These models can be analysed analytically and numerically and thereby create a better understanding of the different characteristics that a cell exhibits but also an opportunity to simulate and investigate the properties of the cell that it does not exhibit. The course start with an overview of the cell's building blocks, their size and abundance. Then the course covers; the study of spatial and temporal scales of various physical and chemical processes in the cell, how molecular networks in the cell process information about its environment and control various cellular processes. The course provides a basis for quantitatively studying cellular processes using mathematical tools and computer simulations. The course content is close to current research and is based on an interdisciplinary integration of knowledge from physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and computer science.
Expected learning outcomes
After completing the course, students should be able to: - Demonstrate the ability to formulate and analyse quantitative models of complex biological processes by applying physical principles on biological quantities. - Demonstrate the ability to numerically simulate cellular processes, deterministically and stochastically. - Demonstrate the ability to apply methods of control theory on genetic regulation. - Quantify cellular length and time scales. - Present results orally and in writing.
Required Knowledge
At least 90 ECT credits, including Analysis 1 and 2, Linear algebra and Differential equations or equivalent knowledge.
Form of instruction
The course is taught in lectures and problem solving in groups.
Examination modes
Examinations are conducted by a written examination by the end of the course and by assignments during the course. The written exam is graded as; Pass with distinction (5), Pass with merit (4), Pass (3), Fail (U), alternatively, Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G), Fail (U). The assignments given the grade Pass (G), Fail (U). In case the assignments or/and the exam is given the grade Fail (F), the course grade is Fail (F). If the assignments are given the grade Pass (G), the course grade will be given the grade obtained at the written exam. Students that have failed on the exam are entitled to two more occasions for re-exam. Those who pass the exam are not permitted a re-exam for a higher grade. A student who has failed on two exams for a course or part of a course, are entitled to have appointed a new examiner, unless there are special reasons against it (HF 6 kap. § 22). Requests for new examiners are made to the Head of the Department of Plant Physiology.
Literature
Valid from:
2016 week 44
Physical biology of the cell Phillips Rob, Kondev Jane, Theriot Julie, Garcia Hernan G. 2. ed. : New York, NY : Garland Science : cop. 2013 : xxx, 1057 s. : ISBN: 978-0-8153-4450-6 (pbk.) Search the University Library catalogue
