Course detail

Biophysics

FEKT-MPA-BFYAcad. year: 2024/2025

Interpretation of bioelectric phenomena. Electrical activity of living tissue on molecular, cellular and organ level. Methods of measurement of membrane voltage and membrane currents in isolated cells, recording of random pulse signals from membrane channels on molecular level. Origin and propagation of impulses of action voltage. Cellular basis of diagnostically significant electromagnetic field generated by organs. Coupling between electrical excitation and muscle contraction. Introduction to biomechanics. Mechanics of cardiovascular system. Introduction to biothermodynamics. Gibbs energy and electrochemical potentials in biophysics. Biophysics of ecosystem.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Entry knowledge

The subject knowledge on the Bachelor´s degree level is requested.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Requirements for completion of a course are specified by a regulation issued by the lecturer responsible for the course and updated for every academic year.
The content and forms of instruction in the evaluated course are specified by a regulation issued by the lecturer responsible for the course and updated for every academic year.

Aims

The aim is to teach students to apply physical theories and experimental methods to living organisms.
Having finished the subject, the student is able:
- applying the known physical laws to explain genesis of membrane voltage in the living cells and to define quantities that appear in the Nernst formula for equilibrium voltages,
- to describe electrical equivalent scheme of the cell,
- to explain origin of action voltages in excitable cells and mechanism of its propagation along cell fibers,
- to describe principles of the methods of measurement of membrane voltage and membrane current,
- to characterize electrical signals recorded on cellular and molecular level and to explain their mutual relations,
- to describe differences between the function of membrane channels and carriers,
- to describe the relation between the propagated excitation at the level of cell and genesis of electromagnetic field in the surrounding tissue,
- to describe origin of ECG signal as a result of action voltage propagation in the net of cardiac cells (syncytium),
- to prepare physiological solutions including measurement and adjustment of their pH, to measure tissue impedance and properties of the electrodes,
- to explain principles of excitation-contraction coupling in muscle cells,
- to apply physical principles to situation in cardiovascular system,
- to define the terms ‘chemical potential’ and ‘electrochemical potential’, and to illustrate their importance in interpretation of bioelectric phenomena,
- to discuss the function of the ecosystem (circulation of substance and flow of energy) from the viewpoint of thermodynamics.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Dillon P.F., Biophysics: A Physiological Approach 1st Edition, 978-1107001442 (EN)
F. Bezanilla: Electrophysiology and the Molecular Basis of Excitability. (University of California at Los Angeles) http://nerve.bsd.uchicago.edu/ (EN)
Stroobandt, R., S. Serge Barold, Alfons F. Sinnaeve A S. Serge Barold: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators step by step: an illustrated guide, 978-1-4051-8638-4. (EN)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme MPA-EAK Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme MPA-EEN Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Laboratory exercise

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer