Biological Physics

Biological physics is the study of physical interactions in biology. How does the structure of a molecule influence where it can attach to more complex structures? How do biological systems move? What signals are passed between receptors and targets as they locate binding points? Can we form new devices from biological elements, taking advantage of the speed or signal exchanges that occur in these systems? Nature has many examples where biological systems convert energy from one form to another, say from chemical energy to mechanical energy. This sub-discipline will use the tools, ideas, and methods of physics to probe biological systems and will learn the physical laws that apply to these systems. The interface between physics and biology will provide models for developing sensors and other devices.