Students will learn that biophysics is an interdisciplinary field that merges principles of physics with biology to understand the physical mechanisms behind biological processes. This field explores how physical forces and principles impact molecular and cellular functions using techniques like spectroscopy, microscopy, and computational modeling. Notable scientists such as Max Perutz and John Kendrew, who elucidated protein structures, Francis Crick and James Watson, who discovered the DNA double helix, and Richard Henderson and Jacques Dubochet, who advanced cryo-electron microscopy, have made significant contributions to biophysics. Their work has deepened our understanding of molecular structures and processes, influencing both scientific research and medical applications.
Biophysics
Students will learn about biophysics, which applies the principles of physics to understand biological systems, including the physical mechanisms underlying molecular interactions and cellular processes. They will explore the molecular structure of living organisms, focusing on how biological macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids are organized and interact to maintain life processes.
In studying radioactivity, students will understand the types of radioactive decay (alpha, beta, and gamma), how radioactive materials emit radiation, and their applications in medicine and research. They will also learn about ionization, the process by which atoms or molecules acquire a charge by losing or gaining electrons, and its significance in biological systems, particularly in the context of radiation exposure and its effects on cells and tissues.
This comprehensive understanding of these topics equips students with insights into the physical principles that govern biological structures and processes, the role of radioactivity and ionization in health and disease, and their applications in medical and scientific fields.
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