BE/APh 161 | Physical Biology of the Cell

About

It is a wonderful time to be thinking about the workings of the living world. Historic advances in molecular biology, structural biology, advances in light and electron microscopy, the DNA sequencing revolution and the use of biophysical techniques such as optical traps have provided an unprecedented window on the inner lives of cells. The aim of this course is to study the cell and its components using whatever tools we need in order to make quantitative and predictive statements about cellular life. The main intellectual thread of the course will be the idea that the type of quantitative data which is becoming routine in biology calls for a corresponding quantitative modeling framework. The plan of this course is to elucidate general principles with exciting case studies. We will run the gamut from performing a huge variety of simple estimates, constructing models, writing code to perform simulations, using tools from modern data analysis to even invoking AI in ambitious ways. But always, our aim will be to focus in the deepest way we can on the most fundamental of questions: what is life?

Where and When

This course takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays in 100 Broad. Lectures are held from 2:30 to 3:55 PM. Please check the Syllabus page for the tentative days/times of the makeup classes. Homeworks will be posted online Wednesdays after class, and are due the following Wednesday at 2pm. Rob will hold office hours on Tuesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. Sara’s office hours will be on Mondays from 6:00 to 7:00 pm in Broad 156.