Advanced quantum effects in biology (4909)

  
Coordinating lecturer :Prof. dr. Anna ERMAKOVA 


Language of instruction : English


Credits: 3,0
  
Period: semester 2 (3sp)
  
2nd Chance Exam1: Yes
  
Final grade2: Numerical
 
Sequentiality
 
   Advising sequentiality bound on the level of programme components
 
 
  Following programme components are advised to also be included in your study programme up till now.
    Introduction to algorithms for quantum communication and computing (4902) 3.0 stptn
    Materials for advanced health care (4898) 3.0 stptn
    Quantum theory of molecules and materials (4897) 3.0 stptn
 

Prerequisites

The student should have prior knowledge of the following general topics:

  • Basic knowledge of quantum mechanics
  • Basic knowledge of cell biology, organic chemistry and principles of chemical reactions


Content

The goal of this interdisciplinary course unit is to familiarize students with how quantum mechanical principles are applied in biological and chemical systems. Students will learn about interesting quantum phenomena in nature such as biomagnetism, photosynthesis, etc. Main experimental techniques will be discussed. The content is as follows:

  • Introduction and Philosophy (incl. quantum consciousness)
  • Open quantum systems (introduction)
  • Quantum coherence and Photosynthesis
  • Quantum description of radical-pairs and Magnetoreceptory
  • Quantum effects in metabolism, respiratory and olfaction
  • Experimental methods (spectroscopy and imaging of single molecules, classical NMR, etc.)
  • Design and application of bio-inspired quantum materials

Learning outcomes of the course are:

  • The student has knowledge of atomic, molecular and chemical principles based on principles of quantum mechanics and leading to biological functions
  • The student can apply these principles to certain biological and chemical systems
  • The student can use quantum detection for biology and biochemistry, with emphasis on NMR
  • The student can independently review, critically interpret and apply recent literature
  • The student can work practically with optical and quantum setups and use them for practical tasks
  • The student understands how quantum techniques can be used in advanced diagnostics in medicine


Organisational and teaching methods
Organisational methods  
Distance learning  
Lecture  
Response lecture  
Teaching methods  
Discussion/debate  
Homework  
Presentation  
Seminar  


Evaluation

Semester 2 (3,00sp)

Evaluation method
Written evaluation during teaching period10 %
Transfer of partial marks within the academic year
Conditions transfer of partial marks within the academic yearThe student obtains at least 10/20.
Oral evaluation during teaching period20 %
Transfer of partial marks within the academic year
Conditions transfer of partial marks within the academic yearThe student obtains at least 10/20.
Presentation
Oral exam70 %
Transfer of partial marks within the academic year
Conditions transfer of partial marks within the academic yearThe student obtains at least 10/20.
Open questions
Use of study material during evaluation
Explanation (English)Personal notes the student made during the teaching period (can be used during exam preparation)
Evaluation conditions (participation and/or pass)
Conditions The student is required to be present at their presentation because evaluation is linked to this. The student is required to submit the quizzes.
Consequences If the student is unjustifiedly absent during the presentation or did not submit the quizzes because of an unjustified reason, he/she will receive an 'N' for the entire course as a final result ('N' = evaluation not fully completed: unjustified absence for one or more components of the evaluation).
Additional information Students with exam contract: The presentation and quizzes during the teaching period will be replaced by a presentation and quizzes during the exam period.

Second examination period

Evaluation second examination opportunity different from first examination opprt
Yes
Explanation (English)The quizzes cannot be retaken. They will be replaced by an exam question
during the oral exam.
 

Compulsory course material
 

All slides, readers, papers and other supporting materials will be provided on Blackboard

 

Recommended reading
 

Titel: The biophysics of Photosynthesis
Auteur: John Golbeck, Art van der Est
Editie: /
Uitgever: Springer
ISBN: 9781493911479
Extra info: /

Titel: Quantum Effects in Biology
Auteur: Masound Mohseni, Yasser Omar, Gregory S. Engel, Martin B. Plenio
Editie: /
Uitgever: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 9781107010802
Extra info: /

Titel: Dynamics of Systems on the Nanoscale
Auteur: Ilia A. Solov'yov, Alexey V. Verkhovtsev, Andrei V. Korol, Andrey V. Solov'yov
Editie: /
Uitgever: Springer
ISBN: 9783030992903
Extra info: Lecture Notes in Nanoscale Science and Technology 34

Titel: Quantum Mechanics, Cell-Cell Signaling, and Evolution
Auteur: John S. Torday
Editie: /
Uitgever: Academic Press
ISBN: 9780323912976
Extra info: /

 

Remarks
 

The advanced knowledge of quantum sensing will be given in the course “Quantum sensors for cross‑disciplinary fields”. The course of “Quantum sensors for cross‑disciplinary fields” is strongly recommended for students who decide to take “Advance quantum effects in biology”.



Learning outcomes
Master of Materiomics
  •  EC 
  • EC 1. The graduate of the Master of Materiomics programme has an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of functional materials, especially with regard to the relation between composition, structure and functional properties at all length scales and in their operating surroundings.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC1.2 The student is able to explain properties of materials and apply this knowledge.

  •  EC 
  • EC 2. The graduate of the Master of Materiomics programme can combine chemical and physical principles enabling the discovery of new material concepts based on an interdisciplinary approach.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC2.5 The student has knowledge of physical concepts and methods. [learning pathway interdisciplinarity - identification: the student knows which phenomena are studied in the various disciplines and which methods and theories are used]

     
  •  DC 
  • DC2.8 The student is able to evaluate which disciplines are involved in solving a complex material problem. [learning pathway interdisciplinarity - reflection: the student considers different perspectives and is able to reflect critically on them]

  •  EC 
  • EC 4. The graduate of the Master of Materiomics programme is able to autonomously consult, summarise and critically interpret international scientific literature, reference it correctly and use it to explore and identify new domains relevant to the field.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC4.1 The student is able to look up and select appropriate international scientific literature from a variety of disciplines related to materials-related problems or research questions.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC4.2 The student is able to correctly and completely reference to scientific literature.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC4.3 The student is able to critically interpret, evaluate, compare, and/or summarize relevant scientific literature related to materials-related problems or research questions.

  •  EC 
  • EC 5. The graduate of the Master of Materiomics programme can independently design and carry out scientific research: formulate a research question and hypothesis, select the appropriate methods and techniques, critically analyse and interpret the results, formulate conclusions, report scientifically and manage research data.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC5.2 The student can formulate one or more research question(s) and/or hypothesis(s) for a material-related problem, and link research objectives to them.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC5.4 The student knows and understands the methods required to process, analyze, and interpret data.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC5.6 The student is able to formulate appropriate conclusions, based on the data analysis and interpretation.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC5.8 The student is able to formulate possible ideas for further research based on the conclusions of an investigation or assignment.

  •  EC 
  • EC 6. The graduate of the Master of Materiomics programme is able to communicate in both written and spoken form and to take a well-argued position in a scientific discussion, going from a general to a specialist level, adapted to the target audience.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC6.1 The student is able to report orally and in writing in an adequate manner.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC6.2 The student is able to adapt to the purpose and target audience of the communication, i.e., can empathize with the target audience and make appropriate choices regarding language use and format.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC6.3 The student is able to take and defend a logically constructed position, based on relevant and scientifically supported arguments.

  •  EC 
  • EC 10. The graduate of the Master of Materiomics programme is able to autonomously acquire new knowledge and monitor, evaluate and adjust one’s learning process.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC 10.2 The student is able to formulate goals and priorities, translate an assignment into subtasks, and create a realistic schedule.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC10.4 The student is able to identify issues from the field of materiomics and suggest solutions.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC10.5 The student is able to relate new material-related interdisciplinary knowledge to his/her existing disciplinary knowledge base. [learning pathway interdisciplinarity - coordination: The student is able to make connections between different perspectives]

 

  EC = learning outcomes      DC = partial outcomes      BC = evaluation criteria  
Offered inTolerance3
2nd year Master of Materiomics specialisatie opleidingsonderdelen J
exchange materiomics keuze J
Exchange Programme materiomics J



1   Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.12.2, section 2.
2   Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.15.1, section 3.
3   Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.16.9, section 2.