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  2. Module 2: Randomness and Robustness (Biological Physics, University of Oregon)  (V2: This is the latest version.)
Module 2: Randomness and Robustness (Biological Physics, University of Oregon)
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OVERVIEW
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INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
DISCUSSION
Highlights: We consider the intrinsic randomness of nature and its consequences for life, including the emergence of robust behaviors and strategies.
Abstract: Statistical fluctuations are central to mechanisms by which life works. We first consider Brownian motion and random walks, and the concepts we encounter are further explored in the context of bacterial chemotaxis and motility, in which students see how randomness sets fundamental limits on what life can do.
Resource Types: Lecture materials, Homework, Instructor supplement, Restricted access, Project
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TOPICS

Physics Topics: 

Electricity & Magnetism > Electrostatics > Charge, Coulomb's Law

Fluid Mechanics

Modern Physics > Biophysics

Thermo & Stat Mech > Ensembles > Boltzmann Distribution

Thermo & Stat Mech > Kinetic and Diffusive Processes > Brownian Motion, Diffusion, Viscosity

Thermo & Stat Mech > Models > Ising Model

Thermo & Stat Mech > Probability > Binomial Distribution, Gaussian Distribution, Information Theory, Poisson Distribution, Probability Density, Random Walks, Shannon Entropy

Thermo & Stat Mech > Statistical Physics

Life Sciences Topics: 

Biochemistry > DNA and RNA, Molecular Manipulation, Proteins

Botany > Fluid Transport

Cross-cutting Biological Concepts > Causal Mechanisms > Extended Math Representations, Physical Mechanisms

Cross-cutting Biological Concepts > Genetic Info: Processing & Transport > Gene Expression, Genetic Networks

Cross-cutting Biological Concepts > Homeostasis > Biological Regulatory Networks, Biological Set Points, Maintaining Set Points

Cross-cutting Biological Concepts > Levels of Organization

Cross-cutting Biological Concepts > Matter/energy Transfer & Transforms > Cellular Mechanics

Cross-cutting Biological Concepts > Structure/Function Relationships > Biomechanical, Cellular, Surface Area/volume, Visual

Cross-cutting Biological Concepts > The Cell > Cellular Structure, Intracellular Components, Universal Functions, Viruses

Evolution > Origin of Diversity/Mutation Rates

Human and Animal Physiology > Vision

Molecular and Cellular Biology > Bacteria, Bioenergetics, Cellular Dynamics, Cellular Structure, Genetics, Viruses

Chemistry Topics: 

Macromolecules > DNA and RNA, Polymers, Proteins

Spontaneity > Bioenergetics, Entropy, Free Energy

Math Topics: 
Graphical Analysis; Probability; Statistics

FILES Download1

Module 2: Randomness and Robustness (Biological Physics, University of Oregon)

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

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PEDAGOGY

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SUBMISSION DETAILS

Copyright:   2026 Raghuveer Parthasarathy

License:   CC BY-NC-SA - Attribution, No Commercial uses and Share Alike. Derivative works must have the same license.

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