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Biophysical Methods
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:30:09
Abstract
Students will be imparted knowledge in basic and advanced biophysical methods applied to problems in molecular biotechnology. The course is fundamental to applying the methods in their daily and advanced research routines. The students will learn the physical basis of the methods as well as their limitations and possibilities to address existing and future topics in molecular biotechnology.
Objective
Gain of interdisciplinary competence in experimental and theoretical research, which qualifies for academic scientific work (master's or doctoral thesis) as well as for research in a biotechnology or a pharmaceutical company. The module is of general use in courses focused on modern biomolecular technologies, systems biology and systems engineering.
Content
The students will learn basic and advanced knowledge in applying biophysical methods to address problems and overcome challenges in biotechnology, cell biology and life sciences in general. The biological and physical possibilities and limitations of the methods will be discussed and critically evaluated. By the end of the course the students will have assimilated knowledge on a portfolio of biophysical tools widening their research capabilities and aptitude. The biophysical methods to be taught will include: • Light microscopy: Resolution limit of light microscopy, fluorescence, GFP, fluorescence microscopy, DIC, phase contrast, difference between wide-field and confocal microscopy • Super resolution optical microscopy: STED, PALM, STORM, other variations • Electron microscopy: Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron tomography, cryo-electron microscopy, single particle analysis and averaging, tomography, sectioning, negative stain • X-ray, electron and neutron diffraction • MRI Imaging • Scanning tunnelling microscopy and atomic force microscopy • Patch clamp technologies: Principles of patch clamp analysis and application. Various patch clamp approaches used in research and industry • Surface plasmon resonance-based biosensors • Molecular pore-based sensors and sequencing devices • Mechanical molecular and cellular assembly devices • Optical and magnetic tweezers • CD spectroscopy • Optogenetics • Molecular dynamics simulations
Resources
Lecture Notes
Hand out will be given to students at lecture.
Literature
Methods in Molecular Biophysics (5th edition), Serdyuk et al., Cambridge University Press Biochemistry (5th edition), Berg, Tymoczko, Stryer; ISBN 0-7167-4684-0, Freeman Bioanalytics, Lottspeich & Engels, Wiley VCH, ISBN-10: 3527339191 Cell Biology, Pollard & Earnshaw; ISBN:0-7216-3997-6, Saunder, Pennsylvania Methods in Modern Biophysics, Nölting, 3rd Edition, Springer, ISBN-10: 3642030211
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 20 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Biophysical Methods
This lecture will take place in classroom in BASEL.
Attention: the lecture will start in the second week of the semester.
|
|
3 h weekly |
Offered In
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Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Master (More information at: )
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Core Courses (The list of core courses is a closed list, no other courses can be added in this category.Also, the assignment of the courses to the respective subcategories cannot be changed. Students need to pass at least one course in each core course subcategory. A total of 40 ECTS needs to be acquired in the core course category (including the mandatory CBB seminar).)
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Doctorate Biosystems Science and Engineering (More Information at: )
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Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
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Advanced Courses (Students need to aquire a minimum of 22 ECTS in this category (MSc Biotechnology Study Programme Regulations 2021). The list of advanced courses is a closed list, no other course can be added to this category.)
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