Physical Models of Living Systems

Physical Models of Living Systems is a textbook intended for intermediate-level undergraduates in any science or engineering major. The only prerequisite for this course is first-year physics. Readers will acquire several research skills that are often not addressed in traditional courses: Basic modeling skills, including dimensional analysis, identification of variables, and ODE formulation. Probabilistic modeling skills, including stochastic simulation. Data analysis methods, including maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. Computer programming using a general-purpose platform like MATLAB or Python, with short codes written from scratch. Dynamical systems, particularly feedback control, with phase portrait methods. All of these basic skills, which are relevant to nearly any field of science or engineering, are presented in the context of case studies from living systems, including: Virus dynamics Bacterial genetics and evolution of drug resistance Statistical inference Superresolution microscopy Synthetic biology Naturally evolved cellular circuits, including homeostasis, genetic switches, and the mitotic clock. -- note de l'éditeur