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. J.M. Eeftens
Other course modules lecturer
Examiner
dr. J.M. Eeftens
Other course modules lecturer
Contactperson for the course
dr. J.M. Eeftens
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
dr. J.M. Eeftens
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
dr. H.A. Heus
Other course modules lecturer
Academic year2022
Period
KW3  (30/01/2023 to 09/04/2023)
Starting block
KW3
Course mode
full-time
RemarksIf you need a resit of the course as given by dr. Heus, contact him a.s.a.p.
Registration using OSIRISYes
Course open to students from other facultiesYes
Pre-registrationNo
Waiting listNo
Placement procedure-
Aims
At the end of the course you can: 
  • Understand basic concepts of biophysical chemistry in the context of living cell and interpret experimental results
  • Understand and apply theoretical and practical aspects of single-molecule approaches used in bio(nano)scienceUnderstand biological mechanics:
  • Analyze how molecular forces of biopolymers and molecular machines are used in cellular function.
  • Analyze both qualitatively and quantitatively how biomolecules move and interact to drive biological processes
  • Write a report based on practical and scientific publications related to the course contents
Content

Biophysical chemistry, often referred to as biophysics 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 motors found in cells are an inspiration for nanotechnology. The biopolymers and membranes from which they are constructed are an inspiration for 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. This course aims to uncover some of the fundamental biophysical concepts that are used to model and understand these complicated processes. The course is meant for molecular sciences students with a keen interest in biological physics and quantitative biology. 

Level

Presumed foreknowledge
A basic knowledge of mathematics, thermodynamics, biochemistry and reaction kinetics as acquired in earlier stages of the curriculum.
Test information
A report based on practical (20%) and a written exam (80%).
Specifics
Students who need a resit of the course given by dr. Heus in 2021, please contact him as soon as possible: h.heus@science.ru.nl

Contact: Dr. J.M. Eeftens, tel. 3610560, jorine.eeftens@ru.nl.
Required materials
Learning Management System (Brigthspace)
Provided on Brightspace in the form of lecture notes and selected literature

Instructional modes
Course
Attendance MandatoryYes

Tests
Exam
Test weight4
Test typeExam
OpportunitiesBlock KW3, Block KW4

Report
Test weight1
Test typeReport
OpportunitiesBlock KW3