Physics is a set of tools and laws to describe nature at the most fundamental level. But the laws of physics apply in all areas of nature; including areas which are usually considered to belong to other sciences such as biology or material science.
In our research group we use methods and techniques from physics to describe and characterize biological systems and soft materials. We primarily work with advanced microscopes and image analysis of microscope images, experimental model systems (e.g. studies of artificial membranes and gels) and theoretical models of biological processes.
Biological systems are fundamentally constructed of four types of molecules, namely proteins, fats, DNA and carbohydrates. These biomolecules interact with each other via physical forces and form complex self-assembled structures that form the foundation of life at the molecular level. For example, by understanding the physics behind biological structures and processes, we can get closer to explaining the mechanisms of how diseases occur and how they can be treated.
Biological physics draws on a wide range of basic disciplines in physics such as mechanics, thermodynamics, statistical physics etc. We work with a wide range of methods, e.g. development and modification of microscopic techniques, production of artificial imitations of living systems and development of image analysis algorithms.
