Details of LS2103 (Autumn 2026)

Level: 2 Type: Theory Credits: 3.0

Course CodeCourse NameInstructor(s)
LS2103 Biophysics Dipjyoti Das,
Neelanjana Sengupta

Preamble
This course is designed to introduce students to fundamental physical concepts essential for the functioning of various biological systems. These concepts will be linked to specific applications in biological processes, demonstrating through examples how physical principles unify mechanisms governing biological functions across different scales.

Syllabus



  • Heat as a form of energy: Concept of free energy, Free energy transduction, Order/disorder in biology, Forces and energies

  • Molecular interactions: Physical basis and implications in biology

  • Dimensions and Units: Dimensional analysis, Biomolecules dimensions, Arrangements, Internal energies

  • Special properties of water: Importance in biology

  • Overview of structures inside cells: Dimensions, Crowding, Basic functioning principles, Timescales of cellular processes, Energies/forces inside live cells, Modes of information transfer.

  • Distributions in nature: Origin, implications


References
References

Philip C. Nelson, Biological Physics,Updated Edition, W. H. Freeman (2004)


Course Credit Options

Sl. No.ProgrammeSemester NoCourse Choice
1 IP 1 Elective
2 IP 3 Not Allowed
3 MP 1 Not Allowed
4 MP 3 Not Allowed
5 MR 1 Not Allowed
6 MR 3 Not Allowed
7 MS ( Biological Sciences ) 3 Core
8 MS 5 Not Allowed
9 MS 7 Not Allowed
10 MS 9 Not Allowed
11 RS 1 Not Allowed
12 RS 2 Not Allowed