Trending Topics in Biophysics

Content

This course aims to provide students with the ability to critically read and analyze research publications (primary literature) while exploring current topics in the area of biophysics. The course features 4 guest lectures by external speakers that have published recent or impactful work in the biophysics field.
Guest lectures will consist of two parts: a lecture on the topic of the paper, and a paper discussion where active participation of the students is required. To prepare for each guest lecture, students are required to read one assigned research paper and complete the associated assignments. Students will receive timely feedback between assignments. 

In addition, students will write a critical review of a published biophysics paper from a researcher at Utrecht University. Students will receive feedback on this review as well. Using insights from feedback on the initial review and the assignments, students will have the opportunity to revise and improve their initial review as the final assignment. 

The course is scheduled for 2 weeks full time. Attendance of guest lectures and active participation is compulsory with 100% on-time attendance required. Time not scheduled for the lectures is reserved for writing of the review and assignments. To pass the course, all assignments need to be handed in before the guest lecture associated with the assignment starts. Fulfilling these requirements will require a substantial amount of time. It is therefore recommended that students take time off from their internship during the 2 weeks of the course.