3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

Cells are actively-driven soft materials – but also efficient sensors and information processors. This course will cover the physics of those cellular functions, from the mechanics of DNA to the sensing of chemical signals. Questions answered include: How does polymer physics limit how quickly chromosomes move? Why do cells use long, thin flagella to swim? What limits the accuracy of a cell’s chemotaxis? Some experience with partial differential equations required. No biology knowledge beyond the high school level necessary. Some problem sets will require minimal programming.