PHY 447 - Molecular Biophysics

An introduction to physical properties of biological macromolecules including proteins, nucleic acids and membranes. Solution thermodynamics developed as needed. Some statistical mechanics introduced. Topics include macromolecular structure, dynamics and functions, inter- and intra-molecular interactions, ligand binding equilibria, helix-coil transitions, physical techniques used in biophysics such as calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, optical and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Four credit version contains additional term project to be arranged with instructor.

Prerequisites: CHY 121 and MAT 126 and PHY 112 or PHY 122 or permission.

Course Typically Offered: Spring

Credits: 3 - 4