Many current questions in biology are probed by using a range of
biophysical methods, often in tandem. These increasingly powerful and
sophisticated tools allow us to study the structure and dynamics of the
complicated mixture of interacting molecules that make up the living
cell.
Biophysical Techniques explains in a readily accessible way the basics
of the various methods available--including those used to study
molecular structure, cell structure, and dynamic interactions--so that
students can understand the principles behind the different methods
used, and begin to appreciate which tools can be used to probe different
biological questions, and the pros and cons of each.
Exploring the latest enhancements to classical techniques, and
introducing computational techniques that have emerged relatively
recently, the book provides a broad survey of the range of techniques
now at the disposal of an investigator.
The biophysical techniques introduced can be explained in physical and
mathematical terms; instead of assuming a detailed knowledge of physics
or math, however, the book uses a series of tutorials and boxes to
provide essential background guidance on these topics, giving students
extra support in fully understanding the subject. Learning and
understanding is supported still further with thought-provoking
end-of-chapter problems, and a range of online journal clubs, to
illustrate to students how a range of biophysical techniques have been
used in contemporary research.
In an age where we are probing the working of biological systems in more
detail than ever before, Biophysical Techniques is the ideal guide for
any student who needs to understand the power of biophysical techniques
in biological research.
