Course Schedule and Catalog
Course Catalog - 2018-2019
PHYS 643 - MECHANOTRANSDUCTION
Long Title: CELL MECHANICS, MECHANOTRANSDUCTION AND THE CELL MICROENVIRONMENT
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Mechanotransduction is a fundamental process essential for living systems and plays a fundamental role in cell signaling, cancer metastasis and stem cell differentiation. Additionally, fundamental biological processes such as endocytosis cell fusion and cell migration are driven by a coordinated interplay of molecular interactions that drive membrane deformation. This course will survey the current understanding of mechanotransduction and the mechanical properties of cells and their microenvironment, including membrane and cytoskeletal mechanics. Experimental approaches for measuring and manipulating the material properties of cells and their environment; including optical, electrical and magnetic techniques will be covered. A variety of application will be covered, including manipulation in engineering of mechanotransduction pathways to drive cell migration and stem cell differentiation. Instructor Permission Required.Cross-list: BIOC 643, BIOE 643.