327-2131-00L Materials of Life
| Semester | Autumn Semester 2018 |
| Lecturers | E. Dufresne |
| Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Comment | Only for Materials Science BSc. |
| Abstract | This course examines the materials underlying living systems. We will consider the basic building blocks of biological systems, the processes which organize them, the resulting structures, their properties and functions. |
| Learning objective | Students will apply basic materials science concepts in a new context while deepening their knowledge of biology. Emphasis on estimating key physical quantities through 'back of the envelope' estimates and simple numerical calculations. |
| Content | I. The physics of life a. Length scales b. Time scales c. Energy flow II. The chemistry of life: a. Water: key properties and interactions b. Macromolecules i. Nucleic Acids ii. Proteins iii. Carbohydrates c. Lipids: phase behaviour d. Inorganics III. Living Materials in Cellular Physiology a. Nucleus: information and control b. Cytoskeleton: mechanics c. Mitochondria: energy d. Plasma Membrane: compartmentalization and transport IV. Living Tissues as Materials a. Muscle: active material b. Bone: remodeled material c. Wood: hierarchical material |
| Lecture notes | Lecture notes will be available for download after each lecture. |