An Academic program in Quantum Biology

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Concept and Need for given area

The global market is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary; therefore,

interdisciplinary education has become a necessity in solving the increasingly

complex problems to be faced by the next generation of scientists and engineers. A

considerable demand exists for such professionals in research and industries who can

synthesize more than one discipline and create teams of academicians and scholars

that enrich the overall educational and research experience.

In the same spirit, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Rajasthan at Jodhpur is also

committed to the development of state of the art, research-led, multidisciplinary

centres of excellence. Scholars from diverse disciplines engage in a spectrum of

research based activities ranging from scientific to social issues that challenge

contemporary society. We at IIT Rajasthan believe that the need of the hour is to

establish a consilience between diverse academic spaces. A premier technological

institute, IIT Rajasthan provides us with immense opportunities to witness and

evaluate the interaction, transformation and integration that occur between

technology, society and humanities We believe that an academic program in Quantum

Biology bears testimony to this synthesis which is also the vision of IIT Rajasthan.

Why do we need a program in Quantum Biology- As the name suggests, quantum

biology is the application of quantum mechanics to the biological sciences. A

scientific response to the big question—―What is life?‖—may remain elusive for

some time, but research in the quickly emerging area of ―quantum biology‖ offers

intriguing possibilities. The regimes of applicability of quantum mechanics and

biology have started intersecting-developments in experimental spectroscopy have for

the first time revealed quantum effects in biological systems.

From quantum tunnelling, entanglement to photosynthesis, quantum mechanics

allows and explains phenomena that would be impossible to achieve in a classical

realm. The need of the hour is to address the challenges, for example, how quantum

mechanics, which were thought to exist only in lab settings or near absolute zero

temperature, can describe events under warm and wet conditions such as in biological

systems. In fact, Prof. G. S. Engel (group leader; Berkeley) conclusively demonstrated

that room-temperature quantum computing is possible. Recent evidences of quantum

tunnelling, quantum coherence and entanglement in processes such as DNA mutation

and photosynthesis show that quantum phenomena indeed play a vital role in

biological processes. This motivates us to explore the question whether quantum

mechanics is driving some of the most elegant and inexplicable processes of life!

A program in quantum biology would eliminate the existing boundaries between

different academic and research domains. This program would address some of the

fundamental and unexplained phenomena in biological systems:

Is there any existing relation between quantum physics and origin of life?

The possible reasons behind the efficiency of photosynthesis?

The role of quantum computing and information processing in biological

processes?

Quantum Consciousness.

Role of DNA in storing information.

Role of quantum physics to medicine and pharmaceuticals.

Artificial photosynthetic systems and production of bio-fuels.

Quantum Mechanics, decoherence in biological systems and applications to

quantum computing.

There can be many such possibilities that can only be addressed through an

interdisciplinary academic and research program.

Mission and Vision

The Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IITJ) was established in year 2008. IIT

Jodhpur commenced as a fledgling institute with three branches in the undergraduate

program viz. Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

Today it has evolved into an IIT which chooses to look beyond conventional

paradigms. The vision of IIT Rajasthan is to create 21st century thinkers having

potential knowledge in natural sciences, mathematics, engineering and an exposure to

its relevance in social contexts. IIT Rajasthan believes that quality and creativity

oriented multidisciplinary education will eliminate the existing boundaries between

diverse academic domains. As a testimony to this belief IIT Jodhpur has already

started a graduate program in Systems Science and will start another graduate

(postgraduate) program in Bio Inspired Systems Science from July 2013. The existing

centers of excellence in Systems Science, Information and Communication

Technology and Energy also offer post graduate and PhD programs for scholars

coming from different scientific and engineering arenas. The blueprints for new

programs, such as Solar Energy, Water, Art, Culture and Heritage are in the process

of being drawn up. Special emphasis is given to design, system integration and

innovation, so as to provide low-cost solutions to local problems.

Thus, one of the focuses of IIT Rajasthan is to promote interdisciplinary academic

curriculum and research. In order to meet the future challenges and to establish a

consilience between diverse academic spaces, IIT Rajasthan plans to start a new

academic program to cultivate, and inspire the young minds of India to excel into the

emerging fields of interdisciplinary arenas. The program aims to integrate the existing

centers of excellence with a new academic program and research in quantum biology.

to address complex and emerging problems through quality and creativity-

oriented multidisciplinary education and research.

to create scholars having potential knowledge in science and technology

capable of evolving under core and multidisciplinary environment.

to develop entrepreneurship skills into the scholars to address the last person’s

socio-economic challenges with low cost solutions.

to have a sound understanding of how nature exploits quantum coherence and

environmental noise to achieve efficient and robust energy transfer.

to pave the way for the realization of a new generation of more powerful solar

energy technologies based on quantum phenomena.

The three centres of excellence address different aspects of science and engineering

with each unique in its approach, direction and goals. The new academic program in

quantum biology would be an attempt to integrate the three centres of excellence. We

believe that this program will establish a relationship between the existing centres

trough its academic program and research innovations.

Education Plan and its Implementation

In order to meet future challenges and impart knowledge of contemporary issues at

the forefront of quantum biology, IIT-J would like to start an academic and research

program in quantum biology. It is an interdisciplinary area of study that integrates

knowledge from different scientific and engineering arenas. The overall aim of this

program is to produce high-quality interdisciplinary scientists and engineers who are

well prepared for pursuit of further professional degrees or careers in academic and

research institutes and industries.

QB SS

Energy

ICT

BISS

Undergraduate 4 years program Course Structure

Colour Code:

Course Names:

PDS: Programming & Data Structure

SID: System Integration and Design (workshop technologies)

ECS: English & Communication skills

EECO: Engineering Economics

EGRA: Engineering Graphics(Computer aided)

DSA: Data Structure and Algorithm

PSP: Probability and Stochastic Processes

IT: Information Theory

QI: Quantum Information

AQM: Advanced Quantum Mechanics

DFT: Introduction to DFT of atoms and molecules

Cog Sc: Cognitive Science

QEB: Quantum Effects in Biomolecules

QMBP: Quantum Mechanics in biological phenomena

Stat M: Statistical Methods

QC: Quantum Consciousness

DS: Dynamical Systems

LSNS: Large Scale Numerical Simulations

CSB: Computational Systems Biology

Sys P: Systems Psychology

QAP

QB-ELEC

-

OPELEC

LSNS

CSB

QB-ELEC

Stat M

QC BioChem

Cog Sc.

PSP

AQM

SE

IEE

PHY-III

DSA

HSS

In to ELE

PHY-II

Intro. Bio

CHE

EECO

PHY-I

PDS

SID

ECS QEB

DS Sys P

EGRA

Lab CHE

CHEM

Lab - BIO Lab – QB

1

Lab- QB2

LAB -QM

3

Lab- PHY

Lab ELE

Lab EE

OPELEC

Q I

1st Sem 2nd Sem 3rd Sem 4th Sem 5th Sem 6th Sem 7th Sem 8th Sem

20 Credits

24 Credits

20 Credits

22 Credits 22 Credits

20 Credits

26 Credits

26 Credits

Common Courses to all UG programs

Quantum Biology Core Courses HSS Electives

Open Electives Quantum Biology Core Courses

IT

DFT

- BTP 1

BTP 2 MATH- 1

MATH-2

MATH- 3

QAP: Quantum aspects of protein

Postgraduate program Course Structure

Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4

Mathematics Advanced Quantum

Mechanics

Quantum Effects in

Biomolecules

Project

Introduction to Classical

& Quantum Mechanics

Introduction to DFT Quantum Mechanics in

Biological Phenomena

Numerical Methods Quantum

Information

Quantum Consciousness

Information Theory Bio Chemistry Quantum aspects of

protein

QB Lab I QB Lab II QB Lab III Seminar

Research Plan

Our research would focus on theoretical and experimental investigation of the role

played by quantum mechanics in biological processes, for example, photosynthesis

and bird navigation. This will be achieved through quantum mechanical models of

energy transport in complex biological networks and then establishing the correlation

between theoretical modelling and experimental findings based on spectroscopic

techniques such as laser spectroscopy. This will allow us to have a deeper

understanding of how nature exploits quantum coherence and environmental noise to

get very efficient and robust energy transfer- the way for the realization of a new

generation of more powerful solar energy technologies based on quantum phenomena.

The possible research domain will include, but not limited to

Mutation- Mutation occurs due to proton tunneling, a phenomenon in

quantum mechanics, a detailed theoretical and experimental investigation would

probably explain the phenomena.

Enzyme Action- theoretical framework to study the enhanced catalytic rates

in enzymes, a phenomena that may be explained by quantum tunnelling.

Quantum Nano Structures- the living cell is a collection of nanomachines

that approach the quantum limit. Therefore, quantum electrodynamical effects

such as the Casimir effect would be significant in cell membranes. Moreover, the

physics of certain enzymes that crawls along DNA and considered as molecular

motors or rachets is not well established.

Mathematical Modelling- the evolution of efficient mathematical tools and

theoretical modelling allows one to apply quantum mechanics to biological

systems involving large number of atoms.

Microtubules- microtubules inside cells permit long-range quantum

coherence, enabling quantum information processing to take place at the sub-

cellular level.

Quantum networks in biology- the absorption and transportation of energy

are effectively explained by means of networks. For example, Fenna–Matthews–

Olson (FMO) complex are usually understood in terms of the motion of a

quantum particle in a network consisting of seven sites.

Photosynthesis and light harvesting complexes- the theoretical and

experimental investigation of the role of quantum coherence in photosynthesis. A

detailed understanding of the primary stages of photosynthesis is essential for the

development of artificial photosystems.

Quantum computing and quantum information- a deeper understanding of

how quantum coherence sustains in biological systems would result in efficient

theoretical modelling of quantum systems with its environment which would

assist coherent energy transfer.

Resources

Some of the required expertise for this academic program is already available under

various Centers of Excellence (CoEs) working in quantum physics, quantum

information, mathematics, biology and energy. However, the proposed academic

program will require experimentalists working in the field of quantum biology,

neurologist with exposure in quantum mechanics, bio physicists and bio technologists.

The following resources would be required to run this academic and research

program:

Faculties in quantum biology and quantum optics- preferably experimental

quantum physicists with sound knowledge in biology and viceversa.

Library Acquisition

Equipments

Space for laboratories and other capital facilities

Other operating costs

Societal Impact

Science, among all human endeavors, has had undoubtedly a huge impact on society.

The contributions of physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics have significantly

improved human life. Complex interacting molecular systems govern our life

processes. Recent developments in quantum information theory and quantum

computation have provided a new dimension in the study of biology and life sciences.

The function of biomolecules, cellular components and the interaction of living cells

with their environment can now be explored in detail with the help of quantum

mechanics. Today, with the help of modern technology, we are in a position to

measure ―quantum‖ systems in a controlled way and hence quantum effects can

provide huge improvements over existing technologies. New types of quantum

biosensors to understand and manipulate enzymes and other biomolecules are

emerging and therefore new research approaches to biological systems are becoming

possible. This can bring a new revolution the field of energy, medicine and healthcare

etc.

For example, as the light energy is low-cost and essentially inexhaustible; further

development of technologies that make use of solar energy is inevitable. Current

silicon-based technologies for the harvesting of solar energy require a very energy-

intensive production process and even though they have improved significantly over

the years in their efficiency, further development of photosynthesis-based

technologies for energy collection is certainly warranted. Thus, the applications and

potentials shown by light mediated processes compel us to synergise an academic

program, where fundamental concepts will be addressed. Through research,

mimicking photosynthesis to harness solar light energy throughout the solar spectrum

will be attempted by our researchers.

Hence, an institute which integrates holistic development with a global outlook, IIT

Jodhpur showcases a distinctive culture of nurturing young minds with a unique

growing and learning experience.

Long terms goals

The long term objective of this program would be to combine and apply advanced

technologies to provide a detailed understanding of the biological processes using

quantum mechanical phenomena. IIT Rajasthan would like to achieve following

milestones through an academic and research program in quantum biology:

to establish national and international collaborations.

to establish well equipped quantum biology and quantum information

laboratory.

postulate theoretical models to explain various biological phenomena.

to understand quantum mechanical applications in characterizing diseased

information pattern and in healing information patterns.

to achieve optimal energy transport for potential applications in the

development of better performing solar cells or photosensors.

Placement

Scholars with such an academic background as discussed in the educational

plan would be in demand for various research and development organizations

in the public and private sectors.

Quantum Information and Quantum Biology Groups world wide for research

opportunities would provide our scholars ample opportunities to excel in

academics and research.

What we want to achieve through the workshop

This workshop on Quantum Biology will be an attempt to understand the basic

aspects of an existing relation between biological processes and quantum mechanics.

The workshop intends to cover a gamut of themes ranging from artificial photo

systems for achieving optimal energy transport to potential applications for the

development of better performing solar cells or photosensors. At IIT Rajasthan, we

believe that this workshop will not only provide exciting insights in these new areas

of research, but will also provide a platform to initiate this interdisciplinary research

both at the national and international levels. In this juncture, we also urge the invitees

and expertises to share their views in designing a course curriculum with possible

academic and research programs that suits our vision.