SK2535 Cellular Biophysics 7.5 credits
In this course we describe the biological cell with principles and methods from physics. The course teach models and equations describing the transport of water, ions and nutrients within cells and through cell membranes. Active and passive transport. Channels and carriers. Membrane potential. Methods for measuring cellular physical parameters.
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Application
For course offering
Spring 2025 Start 14 Jan 2025 programme students
Application code
60156
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Models and equations for:
- Active and passive transport in cells
- Diffusion in solution and membrane
- Osmosis and osmotic pressure
- Active transport
- Electrodiffusion, Nernst potential and membrane potential
- Electrical properties of the nerve cell
- Cellular homeostasis
Intended learning outcomes
Cellular Biophysics is a general course in biophysics where the student learns the fundamental physical, quantitative and structural aspects of the biological cell. An important course goal is to equip the student with a physical and mathematical toolbox to both understand and apply results and observations from cell-biological experiments.
After completing the course, the student should be able to:
- describe the basic physical principles of cell function regarding the transport of water, ions and nutrients.
- define and use mathematical models for the transport of water, ions and solutes in and across the cell membrane.
- describe how the cell regulates water and ion balance and how it is affected by the cell's environment.
- calculate the potential of the cell membrane and how it varies in different situations.
- perform measurements of cell physics parameters using microscope-based methods.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Completed degree project at the undergraduate level in engineering physics or medical technology.
English B / English 6
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Literature
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- INL1 - Hand in assignment, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- LAB1 - Laboratory work, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN1 - Written exam, 2.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Yes
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.