Physics of Biological Systems Course | NPTEL IIT Bombay | Biophysics
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 85 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Physics |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 24 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Physics of Biological Systems: A 12-Week NPTEL Course by Prof. Mithun Mitra (IIT Bombay)
Welcome to an exciting journey into the interdisciplinary world of Physics of Biological Systems. This 12-week course, offered through NPTEL and taught by Prof. Mithun Mitra from IIT Bombay, is designed to bridge the gap between physical principles and the complex dynamics of life. If you've ever wondered how physics governs processes inside a cell, how chromosomes pack into a nucleus, or how patterns form in a growing embryo, this course is for you.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Mithun Mitra
Prof. Mithun Mitra is a theoretical physicist with expertise in statistical mechanics and soft condensed matter physics. His research is dedicated to unraveling the physics of living systems using theoretical models and simulations. His specific interests include:
- Transport inside cells
- Packaging of chromosomes in nuclei
- Physical principles underlying morphogenesis and embryo growth
Under his guidance, you will learn to apply rigorous physical tools to understand the fundamental mechanics of biology.
About the Course
The application of physical principles to biological systems is one of the most dynamic frontiers in modern science. This course provides a comprehensive introduction, leveraging tools from:
- Equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical physics
- Stochastic processes
- Non-linear dynamics
- Polymer physics
We will explore how these methods illuminate diverse biological phenomena, from pattern formation and cellular transport to gene expression and chromatin organization.
Who Should Take This Course?
- Intended Audience: All Engineering students, as well as undergraduates and postgraduates in Physics, Biology, and related fields.
- Prerequisites: A background in Statistical Mechanics is preferred but not a hard requirement. You can refresh your knowledge with the NPTEL course Statistical Mechanics (Course ID: 115106111).
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Topics |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to Biophysics, Spatial and temporal scales |
| Week 2 | Random walks and diffusion in biology, FRAP, cell signaling |
| Week 3 | Diffusion and capture processes, Mean capture times |
| Week 4 | Fluid flows in biology, viscosity and Navier Stokes equation |
| Week 5 | Life at low Reynolds number, Scallop theorem and bacterial flagella |
| Week 6 | Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics: Energy, entropy, free energy |
| Week 7 | Two-state systems, cooperative binding, Hemoglobin |
| Week 8 | Polymers and biopolymers, Entropic elasticity, persistence length |
| Week 9 | Force spectroscopy, HP model of protein folding, Chromosome models |
| Week 10 | Life in crowded environments, Depletion forces |
| Week 11 | Biological dynamics and rate equations, motors and filaments |
| Week 12 | Pattern formation in biology, Reaction-diffusion systems |
Recommended Textbooks & Resources
To deepen your understanding, the following textbooks are highly recommended:
- Physical Biology of the Cell by Rob Phillips, Jane Kondev, Julie Theriot, Hernan Garcia (CRC Press)
- Biological Physics by Philip Nelson (W.H. Freeman)
- Mathematical Models in Biology by Elizabeth Allman, John Rhodes (Cambridge University Press)
- Random Walks in Biology by Howard Berg (Princeton University Press)
Why Enroll in This Course?
This course is more than just a syllabus; it's a gateway to understanding life through the lens of physics. You will gain:
- A strong foundation in the key physical concepts driving biological processes.
- Problem-solving skills applicable to cutting-edge research in biophysics and quantitative biology.
- Insights from an expert researcher actively working on the physics of chromosomes and morphogenesis.
Whether you aim for a career in research, biotechnology, or simply wish to satisfy your curiosity about how life works at a fundamental level, Physics of Biological Systems offers the perfect blend of theory and real-world biological examples.
Enroll today and start exploring the physical principles that bring biology to life!
Enroll Now →