Quantitative Cell Biology - from Molecules to Evolution

Modern research approaches of quantitative biology tightly integrate experimentation with data analysis and mathematical modeling to provide unprecedented insights into the organization and functioning of living systems. This course explores the quantitative basis of major cellular processes and their coordination to form a cohesive physiological entity which is capable of rapid growth and acclimation to changing environments. This is fundamental for the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of cellular populations across biological scenarios, from microbial community assembly to tumor growth. Weekly lectures will be accompanied by 'dry lab sessions' in which students analyze experimental data sets and employ modeling. As such, students will actively develop a fundamental skill set of quantitative biology which includes a knowledge of dynamical systems, numerical simulations, and modern statistical inference. Assumes basic (but not advanced) familiarity with math, e.g. MATH51. Students with all ranges of coding experience are welcome.