PHYSCI 174
Cell Biophysics in Physiology and Disease
Description: Lecture, three hours; discussion, two hours. Requisites: Chemistry 153A, Life Sciences 2, 3, 4, 23L, Physics 6A, 6B, 6C. Search for information in biological research has traditionally focused on genes and biochemical pathways. While physical aspects of cell biology are critical in physiology and disease, they have received so much less attention in research. For example, mechanical properties of cells determine how physical forces alter gene expression and can signal transformation in physiological state of cells, such as in malignant transformation. Exploration of cell biophysics in health and disease from basic physical principles that underlie structure and organization of cytoskeleton to role of cell deformability in diseases such as cancer. Use of articles from primary literature regarding current research. Letter grading.
Units: 5.0
Units: 5.0
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Most Helpful Review
do you know how math classes are taught at MIT? There is absolutely no memorizing involved. The professors there help you UNDERSTAND the concepts behind equations, not force you to memorize them. This is Garfinkel. No need to memorize equations (even the EASY quadratic formula), no need to memorize needless facts. Just a need to understand concepts. What do I mean by 'concepts'? WHY does a system behave a certain way, and HOW can you fix it if it goes wrong? These tools are critical to a scientist's success in the future, and I can guarantee you that Professor Garfinkel's class will do just that for you. He himself is undoubtedly, and absolutely brilliant: genius, actually. His brilliance will radiate to the core of your soul and inspire you to no end. Take his class. ls30b.
do you know how math classes are taught at MIT? There is absolutely no memorizing involved. The professors there help you UNDERSTAND the concepts behind equations, not force you to memorize them. This is Garfinkel. No need to memorize equations (even the EASY quadratic formula), no need to memorize needless facts. Just a need to understand concepts. What do I mean by 'concepts'? WHY does a system behave a certain way, and HOW can you fix it if it goes wrong? These tools are critical to a scientist's success in the future, and I can guarantee you that Professor Garfinkel's class will do just that for you. He himself is undoubtedly, and absolutely brilliant: genius, actually. His brilliance will radiate to the core of your soul and inspire you to no end. Take his class. ls30b.
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Most Helpful Review
Spring 2017 - Took this class blindly but ended up enjoying it. It's about understanding biology (cells, ect) through physics (~biophysics~), but it didn't end up nearly as difficult as it sounded. There was minimal math and mostly required theoretical thinking/concept learning (great if you don't like to memorize). It was refreshing to have a new perspective on bio. Class was two lectures per week, and for homework each week we read two research papers and finished a problem set. We also had two journal club-style presentations which made up the bulk of the grade (group projects). Sometimes the lecture material and problem set questions were vague, but both the professor and TA were readily available to answer questions. As a plus, the professor is a badass biophysics star and is #goals. Just fyi this class is very new (I took it the second time it was offered) and is subject to change. If you are comfortable with reading research papers and presenting in front of a class, this will be a pretty relaxed class for you.
Spring 2017 - Took this class blindly but ended up enjoying it. It's about understanding biology (cells, ect) through physics (~biophysics~), but it didn't end up nearly as difficult as it sounded. There was minimal math and mostly required theoretical thinking/concept learning (great if you don't like to memorize). It was refreshing to have a new perspective on bio. Class was two lectures per week, and for homework each week we read two research papers and finished a problem set. We also had two journal club-style presentations which made up the bulk of the grade (group projects). Sometimes the lecture material and problem set questions were vague, but both the professor and TA were readily available to answer questions. As a plus, the professor is a badass biophysics star and is #goals. Just fyi this class is very new (I took it the second time it was offered) and is subject to change. If you are comfortable with reading research papers and presenting in front of a class, this will be a pretty relaxed class for you.
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