VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Biological Physics of the Cell
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:14:30
Abstract
The course emphasizes fundamental physical principles and focuses on the way these principles dictate the structure and function of cells. The course topics address biological concepts rooted in quantitative biological experimental data and it aims to provide the tools for a quantitative and predective understanding of cellular life.
Content
The course will include a list of principles that are essential in understanding biological physics including conservation laws, global constraints and collective behaviour of non-equilibrium processes, motion, dynamics and force laws, self-organization and fundamentals of probability theory, statistical mechanics and entropic forces. These principles will be used in order to quantify processes such as mass and energy balance of the cell, cellular dynamics, molecular motors, diffusion, dissipation and traffic in cells and membrane function and organization.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , DS , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Biological Physics of the Cell |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise | Biological Physics of the Cell |
|
1 h weekly |