Course Identification

Soft matter systems are characterized by entropic fluctuations that compete with the interaction energies to result in mesoscale (nanometers to microns) and long-time (ms to seconds or longer) correlations. These systems are neither ordered (like crystals) nor are they molecularly disordered (like simple liquids). This course first presents and then applies the relevant elements of statistical mechanics  and dynamics important for the generic understanding of soft matter (mixtures and interfaces, polymers, membranes) which are important components of biological cells.  Topics of experimental interest include: DNA as a polymer, macromolecular gels in cells, non-equilibrium molecular motors, and protein condensates The theoretical presentation will highlight the subtle physics that found in soft matter important in biological cells and will generally follow the text book: Statistical Physics for Biological Matter by W. Sung, available to WIS students for free download via Springer.
 

Upon successful completion of this course students should be able to:

[1] Analyze structural and thermodynamic properties of soft matter using methods of statistical physics.

[2] Apply this understanding to new soft matter systems and biological matter.

[3] Evaluate current review papers in research on soft matter and relate them to the materials studied in the course.

References:

Primary Text: Statistical Physics for Biological Matter by W. Sung, available to WIS students for free download via Library.

Other useful references: 

(1) Statistical Thermodynamics of Surfaces, Interfaces and Membranes, S. A. Safran
(Addison Wesley 1994; Westview Press, 2003) available to WIS students for free download via Library.

(2) Principles of Condensed Matter Physics, P. Chaikin and T. Lubensky (Cambridge Press, 1995)

(3) Mechanics of the Cell, David Boal (Cambridge, 2002).

(4) Physical Biology of the Cell, Phillips et al., (Garland, 2nd edition, 2012).