Book Description

This textbook provides an introduction to the fundamental and applied aspects of biophysics for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of physics, chemistry, and biology. The application of physics principles and techniques in exploring biological systems has long been a tradition in scientific research. Biological systems hold naturally inbuilt physical principles and processes which are popularly explored. Systematic discoveries help us understand the structures and functions of individual biomolecules, biomolecular systems, cells, organelles, tissues, and even the physiological systems of animals and plants. Utilizing a physics- based scientific understanding of biological systems to explore disease is at the forefront of applied scientific research. This textbook covers key breakthroughs in biophysics whilst looking ahead to future horizons and directions of research. It contains models based on both classical and quantum mechanical treatments of biological systems. It explores diseases related to physical alterations in biomolecular structures and organizations alongside drug discovery strategies. It also discusses the cutting- edge applications of nanotechnologies in manipulating nanoprocesses in biological systems. Key Features: • Presents an accessible introduction to how physics principles and techniques can be used to understand biological and biochemical systems. • Addresses natural processes, mutations, and their purposeful manipulation. • Lays the groundwork for vitally important natural scientific, technological, and medical advances. Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman, a biophysicist and condensed matter scientist, is passionate about investigating biological and biochemical processes utilizing physics principles and techniques. He is a professor of biophysics at King Saud University’s Biochemistry Department in the College of Science, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; the co- founder of MDT Canada Inc., and the founder of Child Life Development Institute, Edmonton, Canada. He has authored Biophysics and Nanotechnology of Ion Channels, Nanoscale Biophysics of the Cell, and Membrane Biophysics. He has also published about 50 peer- reviewed articles and several patents, edited two books, and has been serving on the editorial boards of Elsevier and Bentham Science journals. Dr. Ashrafuzzaman has held research and academic ranks at Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology, University of Neuchatel (Switzerland), Helsinki University of Technology (Finland), Weill Medical College of Cornell University (USA), and University of Alberta (Canada). During 2013– 2018 he also served as a Visiting Professor at the Departments of Oncology, and Medical Microbiology and Immunology, of the University of Alberta. Dr. Ashrafuzzaman earned his highest academic degree, Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in condensed matter physics from the University of Neuchatel, Switzerland in 2004.