Biophysics: From Physics through Biology to Medicine – Ari Gafni (Session 1) FULL
From its humble beginning in the early 19th century in explaining the mechanics of steam engines, the branch of physics called thermodynamics evolved to provide a foundation on which the scientific discipline called biophysics was built. Current biophysicists use a variety of concepts and tools from physics chemistry and biology to address important problems in basic, applied, and medical sciences. In this course we will discover how biophysicists approach scientific problems, what tools they use in their research, and highlight several interesting areas of current research. The lectures will begin by reviewing the rules of thermodynamics in a clear and intuitive way, including demonstrations and lab experiments. We will then move to discuss the intriguing and complicated question of how a protein molecule, initially produced as a long linear chain of amino acids devoid of biological activity, undergoes metamorphosis into a precisely folded structure that is perfectly designed to fulfill its specific function. This question, called the protein folding problem, has been studied by both theoretical and experimental approaches and therefore serves as an excellent introduction into biophysics. Using hemoglobin as our protein example, we will explore its biological function in transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues and discuss how it performs this task with great efficiency. We will learn how hemoglobin’s structure was solved and how this knowledge has been used to explain in detail its mechanism of function. Finally, we will see how using purely biophysical approaches led to the discovery of the molecular origin of the devastating disease sickle cell disease, a disease that involves an aberrantly folded hemoglobin molecule. This discovery led to the development of a therapeutic approach to this disease. We will end by discussing several other protein folding diseases where research to explain their molecular origin is still at the forefront of biophysics.
Introduction to Quantum Computing – Vanessa Sih (Session 3) FULL
The development of quantum physics at the beginning of the 20th century made possible current technology, including computer chips, solar cells, and flat screen displays. We are now at an exciting time when quantum computers are being developed that could more efficiently solve some problems than existing “classical” computers. However, quantum physics is mysterious and predicts behavior that is not intuitive. What does it mean for a particle to tunnel through a barrier? How can objects exist in a superposition like the Schrodinger’s cat, which is both dead and alive? How is a quantum computer different from a “classical” computer? This course will introduce students to quantum theory and its applications in modern technology and quantum computing and incorporate a mix of group problem solving and hands-on activities, including demonstrations, laboratory activities, and simulations.
Modeling the Physical World – Ben Torralva (Session 3) FULL
Whether we are interested in designing and building the latest computer chips or Formula 1 racecars, or we wish to push the forefront of scientific understanding, computer modeling plays an essential role. In nearly all cases today, a computer model of the system is created. Sometimes the models are used to discover fundamental physics of the system. In other cases, they are used in the design and development process. Oftentimes, they are used to interpret and understand the results of tests and experiments. In this course, we will delve into the microscopic world. Our goal is to simulate the heating and melting of a solid copper crystal. We will first build the crystal one atom at a time. We will then use our computer model to simulate its heating and melting. The mathematical approximations and algorithms needed to simulate the dynamics of the interacting atoms will be developed as we progress. Surprisingly, the only math we will need is algebra. You will use the Python programming language to write your program; however, prior knowledge of Python is not necessary – we will learn the language as we go. It is only required that you have a basic understanding of how to use a computer and how to program at a rudimentary level in any programming language.
The Physics of Magic and the Magic of Physics – Georg Raithel (Session 2) FULL
Rabbits that vanish; objects that float in air defying gravity; a tiger that disappears and then reappears elsewhere; mind reading, telepathy and x-ray vision; objects that penetrate solid glass; steel rings that pass through each other: these are some of the amazing tricks of magic and magicians. Yet even more amazing phenomena are found in nature and the world of physics and physicists: matter than can vanish and reappear as energy and vice-versa; subatomic particles that can penetrate steel; realistic 3-D holographic illusions; objects that change their dimensions and clocks that speed up or slow down as they move (relativity); collapsed stars that trap their own light (black holes); x-rays and lasers; fluids that flow uphill (liquid helium); materials without electrical resistance (superconductors.) In this class students will first study the underlying physics of some classical magic tricks and learn to perform several of these (and create new ones.) The “magic” of corresponding (and real) physical phenomena will then be introduced and studied with hands-on, minds-on experiments. Finally, we will visit a number of research laboratories where students can meet some of the “magicians” of physics – physics students and faculty – and observe experiments at the forefront of physics research.
