Thermodynamics of biomolecular systems

Lectures: 3 sessions / week, 1 hour / session

Recitations: 2 sessions / week, 1 hour / session

20.110/2.772 was first taught in 2002 with the aim of providing a foundation in the thermodynamic principles used to describe biomolecular behavior and interactions such as those that lead to assembly of cell membranes, binding of growth factors to cells, annealing of cDNA sequences to oligonucleotides on microarray chips, and separation of complex mixtures of biomolecules for atomic analysis. Many of these problems, as well as related problems in nanotechnology and polymer science, are illuminated by a statistical thermodynamics approach. As the course evolved to become the foundational thermodynamics subject for the Biological Engineering S. B. degree and for many students in Biology, we found that our original syllabus did not include the appropriate treatment of classical thermodynamics required to solve practical problems in biochemical thermodynamics. Further, it became clear that a revision of the 20.110/2.772 syllabus to begin with classical thermodynamics provide a fortuitous overlap with parts of the 5.60 syllabus. Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, and Biological Engineering thus developed a common syllabus for the first half of the term, with each subject then diverging into significantly different emphases in the latter part of the term (5.60 concludes with chemical kinetics, and 20.110/2.772 with biomolecular structure and interactions). A pilot version of the combined syllabus was taught in Spring 2005 by Professors Silbey, Griffith, and Irvine as 20.110/2.772, and the current syllabus is slightly revised from the pilot.

The material for first half of 20.110/2.772 that overlaps with 5.60 has evolved over a period of many years, and therefore several faculty members have contributed to the development of the course contents. The following are known to have assisted in preparing the lecture notes available on OCW:

Emeritus Professors of Chemistry: Robert A. Alberty, Carl W. Garland, Irwin Oppenheim, John S. Waugh.

Professors of Chemistry: Moungi Bawendi, John M. Deutch, Robert W. Field, Robert G. Griffin, Keith A. Nelson, Robert J. Silbey, Jeffrey I. Steinfeld.

Professor of Bioengineering and Computer Science: Bruce Tidor.

Professor of Chemistry, Rice University: James L. Kinsey.

Professor of Physics, University of Illinois: Philip W. Phillips.

Silbey, R., R. Alberty, and M. Bawendi. Physical Chemistry. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 2004. ISBN: 9780471215042.

Dill, Ken A., and Sarina Bromberg. Molecular Driving Forces: Statistical Thermodynamics in Chemistry and Biology. New York, NY: Routledge, 2002. ISBN: 9780815320517.

Grades for the subject will be based on a total of 550 points.

All examinations will be closed book. One double-sided sheet of notes is allowed for the first exam; two for the second exam, three for the third exam, and four for the final.

Homework will be due on the sessions specified in the calendar section. Late homework will not be accepted. The two lowest homework grades will be dropped. Graded homework will be returned in recitation. Recitation problems are available in the recitation section. Students who can work all practice and homework problems easily without looking at notes or asking for help usually perform well on exams. You are encouraged to work in study groups, but must turn in only your own work.

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