Registrar Home | Registrar Search:
Home | Subject Search | Help | Symbols Help | Pre-Reg Help | Final Exam Schedule | My Selections

MIT Subject Listing & Schedule
IAP/Spring 2025 Search Results

Searched for:

1 subject found.

8.241 Introduction to Biological Physics
______

Not offered academic year 2024-2025Undergrad (Spring)
Prereq: Physics II (GIR) and (8.044 or (5.601 and 5.602))
Units: 4-0-8
Credit cannot also be received for 20.315, 20.415
______
Introduces the main concepts of biological physics, with a focus on biophysical phenomena at the molecular and cellular scales. Presents the role of entropy and diffusive transport in living matter; challenges to life resulting from the highly viscous environment present at microscopic scales, including constraints on force, motion and transport within cells, tissues, and fluids; principles of how cellular machinery (e.g., molecular motors) can convert electro-chemical energy sources to mechanical forces and motion. Also covers polymer physics relevant to DNA and other biological polymers, including the study of configurations, fluctuations, rigidity, and entropic elasticity. Meets with 20.315 and 20.415 when offered concurrently.
Staff