To a considerable extent, the study of biomolecules is similar to that of atoms, molecules, solids and even nuclei. Understanding of these simpler systems helps in investigations of the more complex biomolecules. Biomolecules, however, show some beautiful characteristics that cannot be found in simpler systems. It is even possible that some laws of physics and chemistry can be studied in biomolecules more easily and directly than in other places. The present course should provide a first introduction to the structure and function of biomolecules, particularly proteins.
Emphasis is on aspects of interest to physicists.
The number of unsolved problems is very large. Any new development in physical tools usually leads to exciting advances in our understanding of biomolecules. Tools and concepts of experiments will therefore be stressed. In the present lectures we will discuss only a few of the physical tools, and we neglect chemical ones. We try to avoid techniques that are already well established and concentrate on those that may make major new steps possible.