Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the module the student will have acquired basic knowledge of several biophysical approaches and of many of the most fascinating topics in the field.
Indicative Module Content:
After an introductory part devoted to cell biology fundamentals (e.g. lipids, proteins, DNA and RNA, cellular membranes), the module will focus on several cases of study, including: (i) protein amyloidogenesis in health, diseases and material sciences; (ii) structural and mechano-elastical properties of amyloid fibrils; (iii) structure, dynamics and viscoelastical properties of biomembranes, including cell membranes; (iv) the functioning of selected membrane protein channels including the Piezo 1 & 2 of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine; (v) cell migration, adhesion and invasion in heathy and pathological conditions, and the role of substrate elasticity. The main techniques that will be considered are: (a) neutron scattering, (b) atomic force microscopy, including fluidic force microscopy, (c) static and dynamic light scattering, (d) Infrared and Raman spectroscopies, (e) optical and electron microscopies, (f) optical tweezers, and (f) several cell biology approaches including cell survival assays, flow cytometry, western blotting, cell migration and adhesion assays, and patch-clamp. The module is lecture-based, but some lab-based activities might be offered depending on the number of students. The module will be enriched by seminars presented by international experts in the field. An overview of biophysical research carried out in UCD Physics and the other UCD Schools will also be presented.