NFYK14009U Physics of Molecular Diseases
BSc Quantitative Biology and Disease Modelling (DTU)
MSc Programme in Molecular Biomedicine
MSc Programme in Nanoscience
MSc Programme in Physics
Diseases are complex dynamical processes, that are often caused by disregulations at the molecular and cellular levels. With the current developments in biology and physics we are at the point where quantitative description and understanding of these processes becomes crucial for treatment and disease prevention.
In this course we will get an overview of where and how physics approaches are contributing to the understanding of the diseases.
Through lectures, article discussions and related computer exercises we will see how simple quantitative models are becoming a powerful tool in understanding not only the causes of isolated diseases, but also uncover similarities across them.
Skills
Build and analyze quantitative models of biological systems both at
the level of molecular regulatory networks and cell populations.
Perform computer simulations of the corresponding models. Critical
reading of articles at the cross of several disciplines: biology,
physics, mathematics and medicine.
Knowledge
Learn how physics toolbox can be applied for
solving a number of interesting, real-world disease related
problems including : aggregation processes in
protein misfolding diseases (e.g. Parkinson,
Alzheimers); excitable media in Heart Arrhythmia
and Inflammation; negative feedbacks and
separation of time-scales in Type 2
diabetes, diffusion and networks in spreading of
Infectious diseases.
Competences
Quantitative understanding of the basic mechanisms behind a variety
of the diseases.
In addition the student will develop an intuition where physics approach can be able to relevant understanding the causes for onset and progression of the disease.
Course notes in form of power point slides.
Additional reading material will be posted on Absalon.
Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 32
- Preparation
- 114
- Exercises
- 48
- Study Groups
- 12
- Total
- 206
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examination, 20 minutes
- Type of assessment details
- Oral exam, 20 minutes per person
- Aid
- Without aids
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
more internal examiners
- Re-exam
same as regular exam
Criteria for exam assesment
see learning outcome
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NFYK14009U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 4
- Schedule
- B
- Course capacity
- 30
The number of places might be reduced if you register in the late-registration period (BSc and MSc) or as a credit or single subject student.
Study board
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinators
- Ala Trusina (7-79777a786e73664573676e33707a336970)