Module 1: Measurement, Mechanism, and Modeling

Introduction to the intersection of physics and biology including information on the tools (3D printing, microscopy, electronics, MATLAB, etc.) and methods used in studying the physics of living systems.

Module 2: Evolution

This module explores the history of life on Earth and various mechanisms of evolution through mathematical modeling and simulation as well as hands-on laboratory experiments. Key concepts include Earth geohistory, emergence, and the evolution of multicellularity.

Module 3: Biomolecules

By employing techniques from statistical mechanics and nonlinear dynamics, we are able to study the underlying mechanisms of how biomolecules move and interact to perform cellular processes. Processes such as transcription, diffusion, and other molecular interactions are explored by studying energy landscapes of given molecules as well as running molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of biomolecules in specific landscapes.

Module 4: Ecology

Studying the population dynamics of groups of organisms provides an example of how physics (nonlinear dynamics, ODEs, limit cycles, chaos, etc.) can be used to gain further insight into fundamental biological processes.

Module 5: Cells, Tissues, and Organs

Cells accumulate to form groups of moving parts whose dynamics are distinct from single cell behavior and, depending on the level of organization, different methods must be used. This process, known as emergence, can be seen in the ability of individual cells, such as cardiac cells, to work collectively as tissues. Cellular processes like phagocytosis also provide an example of how individual cells can work together towards a common goal.

Module 6: Neuro and Biomechanics