Main description:

In this book, physics in its many aspects (thermodynamics, mechanics, electricity, fluid dynamics) is the guiding light on a fascinating journey through biological systems, providing ideas, examples and stimulating reflections for undergraduate physics, chemistry and life-science students, as well as for anyone interested in the frontiers between physics and biology.

Rather than introducing a lot of new information, it encourages young students to use their recently acquired knowledge to start seeing the physics behind the biology. As an undergraduate textbook in introductory biophysics, it includes the necessary background and tools, including exercises and appendices, to form a progressive course. In this case, the chapters can be used in the order proposed, possibly split between two semesters.

The book is also an absorbing read for researchers in the life sciences who wish to refresh or go deeper into the physics concepts gleaned in their early years of scientific training. Less physics-oriented readers might want to skip the first chapter, as well as all the "gray boxes" containing the more formal developments, and create their own a-la-carte menu of chapters.

Contents:

Thermodynamics for Living Systems, Appendix, Problems, References.- Energy, Information and the Origins of Life, Problems, References.- Energy Production and Storage for Life, Problems, References.- Entropic Forces in Cells: Thermodynamics and Hydrodynamics, Problems, References.- Molecular Motors in the Cell, Appendix, Problems, References.- Bioelectricity, Hearts and Brains, Problems, References.- Elasticity and Mechanics of Cells and Tissues, Appendix, Problems, References.- Muscles as Engines, Problems, References.- Physical Variables in Living Systems, Problems, References.- Shapes of Nature, Problems, References.- The Hidden Mathematics of Living Systems, Problems, References.