Headings denoted with an asterisk ( * ) is retrieved from the course syllabus version Spring 2022
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.
Detailed plan
During the first 10-15 minutes of lectures 2-9 there will be a short quiz based on the previous lecture. Each quiz give credit (2 p./quiz) towards the final exam. On the final exam 20 points is the lower limit for pass.
Learning activities
Content
Lecure 1
Introduction
Lecture 2
Diffusion
Lecture 3
Diffusion across a cellmembrane
Lecture 4
Osmosis
Lecture 5
Concurrent solute and solvent transport
Lecture 6
Carrier transport, kinetics
Lecture 7
Ion transport, membrane potentials, electro chemical gradients
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.
The section below is not retrieved from the course syllabus: