Course content

The course focuses on application of selected topics within physics to describe the molecular properties of biological molecules and biopolymer assemblies, and physical characterisation techniques for their determination.

Learning outcome

Intended learning outcomes:
The student should have knowledge of the fundamental molecular principles that underpins the physical properties of biological polymers and biopolymer assemblies:
• Various types of interactomic bonds and interactions, such as covalent bonds, orbitaltheory, inter- and intramoleluar interactions, the hydrophobic effect, and water – lipid structures.
• Dynamics and static properties of biopolymers such as molecular dynamics, the conformation of chain molecules, and swelling properties of biopolymer hydrogels.

The student should have knowledge of key experimental methods for the detrmination of the physical properties of biological polymers and biopolymer assemblies:
• Methods for determining rheological proprerties of solutions of macromolecules, viscosity and viscoelasticity, transport properties (translational- and rotational diffusion, sedimentation)
• Methods for determining spectroscopic properties such as nuclear magnetic resonance, electron spin resonance, optical absorption spectroscopy, circular dichroism, and optical rotation.
• Methods for determination of structure and properties by quasielastic scattering techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, fiberdiffraction and light scattering applied to biopolymers.

The student should have skills within the practice of applying physical principles for describing molecular properties of biological polymers and biological assemblies.
The student should have practical skills in carrying out selected experiments to determine the molecular properties of biopolymers and their assemblies, and communicate this in writing.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, voluntary problems and mandatory laboratory exercises. Teaching can be in English if students on international master programs are attending the course. A re-sit examination may be changed from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Laboratory exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

Knowledge in physics, mathematics and chemistry according to three years university studies in physics.

Course materials

Elgsæter, Mikkelsen og Næss: Molekylær biofysikk, kompendium. English version is available.

Credit reductions