Prerequisite: An open mind towards complex patterns in living systems. A course in statistical physics. Familiarity with nonlinear dynamics and fluid dynamics. Prior programming experience [preferably in python]
Not-required: Prior biology background.
When: Tue and Thu 0945 - 1115
Where: Feynman Lecture Hall, ICTS
First meeting: 0945, 16th January 2024
In-person course. No online component
Outline
- What is a pattern? Spatiotemporal patterns in biology.
- Brief recap of nonlinear dynamics. Phase-space analysis. Numerical tools for pattern formation. Galerkin methods. Amplitude equations. Pattern selection. Vector/Tensor order parameters. Topological defects. Group-theoretic classification of patterns.
- Patterns driven by free-energy gradients.
- Self-organized nonequilibrium patterns. Reaction-diffusion systems. Signalling patterns. Turing instabilities. Ecological patterns.
- Hydrodynamics of active materials. Pattern formation in active matter. Mechanochemical and geometrodynamic patterns in cell & developmental biology. Open problems.
This is an advanced course with emphasis on pattern formation in living systems.