Special Topics in Physics: Theoretical Biophysics (PH489, Fall 2020)
Textbooks
TBA
Class time
Monday and Wednesday, 14:30~16:00
Classroom
Creative Learning Bldg (E11), 207
Prerequisites
Classical Mechanics, Thermal physics, Statistical physics
Course Descriptions
This course aims to cover a BROAD range of applications ofstatistical mechanics, e.g.,including soft condensed matter, biological systems ranging from cellular scalesto species, kinetic theory, statistical field theory, non-equilibrium phenomena.This is an introductory level course for interested senior (advanced) undergraduate and first-year graduate students. Although entitled 'Theoretical Biophysics', biological background is NOT required (you are supposed to be a student in physics) and this course is NOT restricted to discussions of biological systems and phenomena. We are rather interestedin understanding of how statistical physics can be applied to various phenomena, seemingly very different, in nature or even in human behaviors. If time allows, we will also discuss recentdevelopments in statistical physics.
Tentative Course Outline (Topics to be covered)
The following schedule is only tentative and may change without notice
- Brief overview of thermodynamicsand statistical mechanics
- Soft matter: polymer and membrane
- Kinetics:population, evolution, epidemics
- Phase transitions& field theory for biological systems
- Stochastic processes, noise-induced phenomena, transports,non-equilibriumprocesses
- Social physics
Tentative evaluation criteria
Mid (30%), Final (40%), Attendance, homework, quiz and class participation(30%).Be advised that it is only tentative and can be subject to a change: In case that a properway of fair evaluation is not secured due to Covid-19, the grading may be given in the S/U basis, instead of the letter grade.
Homework sets
Notices
Teaching Assistant
TBA
