In the recent two decades, developments on the field of stochastic thermodynamics provided a new perspective to the fundamental backbone of statistical mechanics. This new formalism provided a framework where previously postulated connections between energy, heat and information arise naturally, even in cases outside the equilibrium, opening a new universe of possibilities for the understanding of the thermodynamics of information. These theoretical developments have impact in engineering, statistical physics and, specially, in biology, where the role of information is prominent, and always related to underlying physicochemical processes.
Target group: The aim of this course is to provide the basics to understand the current state of the art related to the fundamental relations between energy and information. The emphasis will be in the understanding of the most basic concepts, instead of giving a very general overview, such that, at the end, the students may develop autonomously in the field with a well acquired core.
Students of different disciplines are welcome, given that the topic covers fundamental problems that are of interest for many disciplines, from biology to computer science. Therefore, the target audience are students of physics, biology, mathematics and computer science.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites for the course are basics of probability theory and basics of equilibrium thermodynamics. Nevertheless, any motivated student can take part of the course.
Evaluation: The evaluation will be based on several reports over an paper/topic chosen by the student in agreement with the instructor.
Teaching format: Lectures online
Lectures: Mon-Wed 2:45-4:00pm
Recitations: Wed 4:15-5:00pm
ECTS: 3 Year: 2020
Track segment(s):
BIO-QUANT Biology - Quantitative and Computational Methods in Biology
PHY-BIO Physics - Biophysics
PHY-CON Physics - Condensed Matter
Teacher(s):
Bernat Corominas-Murtra
Teaching assistant(s):
If you want to enroll to this course, please click: REGISTER
- Teacher: Bernat COROMINAS-MURTRA