“Biophysics: From nonliving to living, from principles to mechanisms (online course)” - course 7,500 rub. from MSU, training 12 weeks. (3 months), Date: November 30, 2023.

The course is intended for students who do not have special university training in the field of physics, biology, chemistry and mathematics. The course examines the distinctive features of living and nonliving matter, the physical basis of the structure and functioning of living systems from submolecular and cellular to the biosphere level, mechanisms of basic biological processes, biophysical aspects of the origin of living systems and evolution of the biosphere. Particular attention is paid to new approaches in the field of systems biophysics associated with ideas about the synergistic aspects of the organization and functioning of living things. systems, consideration of the mechanisms of spatiotemporal self-organization in active media, as well as fundamental problems of symmetry-asymmetry in inanimate and living nature. Issues of the formation of hierarchical structures, molecular and macroscopic biological machines responsible for the sustainable functioning and evolution of living systems are discussed. The purpose of mastering the discipline by students is: obtaining basic knowledge regarding biophysics as a systematic natural science discipline aimed at developing fundamental knowledge about the mechanisms of origin, functioning and evolution of living things systems; the ability in further research and practical activities to identify and formulate problems and tasks, the solution of which requires the use of biophysical approaches, and on this basis to solve current ideological and methodological scientific Problems.

Program direction
Professional programs
Program area
Math and Science
Program group
Physics and astronomy
Program type
Advanced training programs
Form of study
Correspondence courses using distance learning technologies
Scope of the program (academic hours)
Total - 144
Classroom - 72

Dear listeners!

Starting in the fall semester of 2020, the course is offered as free, limited access.

1. Access to educational lectures and assessment tests remains available to all categories of students.

2. Students of Moscow State University (MFC) and students of other universities (by agreement) have full access to seminars.

3. Access to seminars and certification will be provided only after payment for full access to the course and certification (RUB 2,800). In case of successful certification, a certificate of completion of the course is issued (in electronic form).

4. For those wishing to receive a certificate of advanced training, it is necessary to pay for both access to the entire course (2800 rubles) and additional certification activities (6840 rubles). In case of successful certification, a certificate of advanced training is issued (in printed form).

The open distance course “Biophysics: from nonliving to living, from principles to mechanisms” is intended for students of both natural and humanities faculties. In accordance with the behest of Mikhail Evgrafovich Saltykov-Shchedrin “Introduce Enlightenment with moderation, avoiding bloodshed if possible” the presentation of lecture materials is popular, designed for non-specialists, does not require special prior knowledge in the field of physics, biology, mathematics.

The course is largely non-standard, addressing the fundamental problems of Life on Earth and in the Universe, is dedicated to the analysis of the relationship between living and nonliving things in nature in the concept of “end-to-end evolution” from the standpoint of physics. Presents a modern view of how life arose and evolved on Earth, the fundamental the patterns of inanimate nature were transformed into unique structures and mechanisms of functioning of living things systems The specific physical, physicochemical and biological differences between nonliving and living forms of matter motion are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the problems of transformation of energy, matter and information in living systems, spatiotemporal self-organization in dissipative systems (mainly in active environments), problems of symmetry and hierarchy of living systems, molecular machines as unique converters of energy, matter and information in cells, problems evolutionism.

Each section of the lecture (in some cases the whole lecture) is preceded by an annotation and questions for mastering the material, as well as a general scientific question.

Learning outcomes

The purpose of this lecture course is to broaden the horizons of students.

Entry requirements:

The course is general education, does not require special training and is designed for a wide audience of students.

Additional Information:

To receive a certificate of successful completion of the course, you must successfully complete the course by completing the tasks and tests proposed to test your knowledge, and upon completion, undergo a full-time final certification.