NWI-MOL111
Biophysical Chemistry
Course infoSchedule
Course moduleNWI-MOL111
Credits (ECTS)3
CategoryBA (Bachelor)
Language of instructionEnglish
Offered byRadboud University; Faculty of Science; Moleculaire Wetenschappen;
Lecturer(s)
Coordinator
dr. H.A. Heus
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
dr. H.A. Heus
Other course modules lecturer
Contactperson for the course
dr. H.A. Heus
Other course modules lecturer
Examiner
dr. H.A. Heus
Other course modules lecturer
Academic year2021
Period
KW3  (31/01/2022 to 10/04/2022)
Starting block
KW3
Course mode
full-time
Remarks-
Registration using OSIRISYes
Course open to students from other facultiesYes
Pre-registrationNo
Waiting listNo
Placement procedure-
Aims
At the end of the course you are able to: 
  • Understand and explain basic concepts of biophysical chemistry and interpret experimental results
  • Understand biological dynamics: Analyze both qualitatively and quantitatively how biomolecules move and interact to drive biological processes
  • Understand biological mechanics: Analyze how molecular forces of biopolymers and molecular machines are used in cellular function
  • Understand and apply theoretical and practical aspects of single-molecule approaches used in bio(nano)science
  • To write a critical and original essay based on scientific publications related to the course contents
Content
Biophysical chemistry, these days often referred to as biological physics or physical biology, deals with biomacromolecules and complexes. The sophisticated interplay between molecular forces and chemical energy make reactions in living cells work. The discipline is highly multidisciplinary and the principles and concepts are drawn from chemistry, physics and biology. The field has huge potential and is fundamental for many other fields. Molecular and supramolecular motors found in cells are an inspiration for nanotechnology. The biopolymers and membranes from which they are constructed are an inspiration for much of the materials science. Recently there has been an explosion of beautiful new results of molecular motors, self-assembly, the influence of molecular crowding and compartmentalization, single-molecule manipulation and imaging that have revolutionized the field, yet there is no comprehensive course that covers it. This course aims to fill this gap by uncovering some of the fundamental biophysical concepts that are used to model and understand these complicated processes. The course is meant for life science students with a keen interest in biological physics and chemistry. It is also meant for molecular science students who wish to truly understand the inner working of a living cell.

Instructional Modes
Level

Presumed foreknowledge
A basic knowledge of mathematics, thermodynamics, biochemistry and reaction kinetics required in earlier stages of the curriculum. This is a course in the theme 'Structure and Reactivity'.
Test information
An essay based on a scientific publication (20%) and a written exam (80%)
Specifics
Contact: Dr. H.A. Heus, tel. 3653113, Hans.Heus@ru.nl
Required materials
Learning Management System (Brigthspace)
Provided on Brightspace in the form of a reader, lecture notes and selected literature

Instructional modes
Lecture

Tutorial

Tests
Exam
Test weight4
Test typeExam
OpportunitiesBlock KW3, Block KW4

Essay
Test weight1
Test typeEssay
OpportunitiesBlock KW3