Physics of Molecular Diseases
Course content
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.
BSc Quantitative Biology and Disease Modelling (DTU)
MSc Programme in Molecular Biomedicine
MSc Programme in Nanoscience
MSc Programme in Physics
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.
Skills:
- Build and analyse 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.
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.
Lectures, exercises and paper discussion.
Course notes in the form of PowerPoint slides and lecture notes.
Additional reading material will be posted on Absalon.
Knowledge of Python or other programming language and basic
programming skills.
Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is
recommended.
It is expected that the student brings laptop with Python or other programming environment installed.
- ECTS
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
-
Oral examination, 20 minutes (no preparation time) under invigilationContinuous assessment
- Type of assessment details
- The final grade consists of: the final oral exam 60% and
Continuous assessment
40%.
The Continuous assessment consists of the following elements:
1 Programming assignments (5% of the final grade) , one article presentation (10% of the final grade), oral presentation of the results at the end of the 2-week project (25% of the final grade). - Aid
- Only certain aids allowed (see description below)
Oral examination: No aids allowed
Continuous assesment: All aids allowed
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Several internal examiners
- Re-exam
-
Same as the ordinary exam
If students have not fulfilled the exam registration requirements during the course, they must complete the missing elements in an adjusted format no later than two weeks before the re-exam week to participate in the re-exam:
-
If the students have not participated in two peer-to-peer lectures, they must present an article in one of the peer-to-peer lectures to the teacher.
-
-
Criteria for exam assessment
See Learning Outcome
Single subject courses (day)
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 32
- Preparation
- 114
- Exercises
- 48
- Study Groups
- 12
- English
- 206
Kursusinformation
- Language
- English
- Course number
- NFYK14009U
- ECTS
- 7,5 ECTS
- Programme level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
-
1 block
- Placement
- Block 4
- Schedulegroup
-
B
- 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. - Studyboard
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinator
- Ala Trusina (7-7b797c7a7075684775697035727c356b72)
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Kursusinformation for indskrevne studerende