Aim of the course: In this intensive week-long mini-course aimed at life scientists interested in the quantitative analysis of living matter, we explore the way that physical and mathematical models can be used to understand biological systems. The course begins by examining the way in which simple order-of-magnitude estimates can provide insights into problems ranging from the fidelity of protein translation to how amphibians arrive on oceanic islands. This is followed by an examination of diffusion as biology’s null hypothesis for dynamics through a suite of problems including ion channel dynamics, the dynamics of transcription, and the development of morphogen gradients. We then turn to the study of active matter and phase separation to explore organization in biological systems. In addition to these topics, the course involves integrated hands-on tutorials in biological model building on the computer using Python, where for nearly all the models done on the blackboard, we will build a corresponding computational description of the same problems.
The focus of the course is not on any particular skill set, but rather to convey the style of using physical and mathematical arguments in the life sciences.
Registration deadline: 18 July 2022
Please note: The number of participants is limited. We ask participants to dedicate their time fully to this course, to be present during the whole course and not to plan any additional activities during the schedule of the course. You should apply only if you can guarantee your full attendance for the whole week.
We will inform you after 18 July 2022 if we're able to offer you a spot in the course!
Taught by Rob Phillips and Tom Röschinger from Caltech
