Learning objectives
The module of Biophysics is part of the Integrated Course
Physiopathological Optics. The module has been
designed to convey knowledge and understanding of basic physics
principles, providing an introductory basis for other disciplines that rely on the physical phenomenology on
make frequent use of it.
The course will also provide the conceptual basis for understanding a
number of major technologies that are used with increasing frequency. In
this sense, the module also aims to develop the students' attitude
towards independent study and continuing education on the application
of physical techniques to several fields.
As its final, but perhaps most important, goal, the course has been
designed to stimulate students to become more familiar with certain
common concepts, that are not always sufficiently explained in previous
studies, such as: light and its manifestations, also in relation to the
structure of the eye and its physical defects, fundamentals of electrical,
magnetic and nuclear phenomena, the laws that govern potential and
current, electromagnetic and nuclear radiation, perturbations induced in
means passed through and aspects of detection and control.
Prerequisites
Course unit content
The module of Biophysics will deal with the fundamental
principles of electromagnetism and optics.
Applications and consequences on human body physiology and medicine
will be stressed. In particular, deeper insights will be provided into the
effects of electric currents on the human body, and the use of radiations
in diagnosis and therapy.
Full programme
Optics: Reflection and refraction - Total reflection and optical fiber -
Optical system, focus and dioptric power - Spherical diopter - Thin lenses,
mirrors and image construction - Compound microscope - Resolution
strength - The eye as a dioptric system - Principal ametropies of the eye
and their correction using lenses - Wave theory of light - Laser light.
Electricity, magnetism and electrical current: Electrical charges and
Coulomb’s law - Electrical field - Work of the electrical field and
electrostatic potential - Dipolar field - Overview of muscle fiber and
electrocardiogram - Gauss’s theorem and its applications - Current intensity - Overview of the
electronic structure of insulators, metallic conductors and
semiconductors - Ohm’s law - Series and parallel resistors – Electromotive
force - Thermal effect of current - Electrical conduction in liquids - Passing
of current in the human body -Thermoionic and photoelectric effects -
Magnetic field and its action on current and magnets - Electromagnetic induction -
Self-induction – Alternating voltage and current - Impedance -
Electromagnetic waves.
Radiation: Structure of the atom and nucleus - Quantum numbers,
electronic orbitals and transitions - Unstable isotopes and alpha, beta,
gamma radiation - Law of radioactive decay and half-life - Radiation
detection - Biomedical applications of radioisotopes - X-rays (production,
properties and absorption mechanisms in the matter) - Radiological
image - Overview of computerised axial tomography (CAT) and
radiofrequency (NMR) imaging techniques- Overview of radiation safety.
Bibliography
Classroom notes.
Bersani, Bettati, Biagi, Capozzi, Feroci, Lepore, Mita, Ortalli, Roberti,
Viglino, Vitturi: Elementi di Fisica, Ed. Piccin Nuova Libraria (Padova).
Scannicchio: Fisica Biomedica, Ed. EdiSES (Napoli).
Celasco: Lineamenti di Fisica Medica, Ed. E.C.I.G. (Genova).
Teaching methods
During classroom lectures, the topics contained in the program of the
module will be illustrated and commented. Emphasis will be posed on the
applications to biology and medicine of basic physics principles, with
examples of how such principles can lead to quantitative predictions on
physiological and pathological phenomena.
In selected cases, the demontration of basic physics principles will be
illustrated, with the aim to introduce the students to the practice of
logical thinking and experimental approach.
The course will be held through lectures to Students either in the classroom (“in presenza”) or in synchronous-streaming (“in telepresenza”) on the Teams platform. Therefore, the opportunity of Student/Teacher interaction will be preserved both face to face and remotely, by the simultaneous use of the Teams platform.
Lectures will be supported by slide presentations, which will be available to students on the Elly platform (https://elly2020.medicina.unipr.it/).
Assessment methods and criteria
The achievement of the objectives of the modules Physics and Biophysics will be assessed through a written exam, mainly consisting in open questions on the topics of the course. This will allow to ascertain the knowledge and the understanding of both the theoretical
bases and their practical consequences.
The questions will be distributed between: 1) mechanics and condition of equilibrium of the bodies; 2) fluidostatics and fluidodynamics and their physiological implications; 3) electromagnetism, waves, optics and radiation. Particular attention will be placed on this last part in the evaluation.
In case of the persistence of the health emergency, the exams will be conducted remotely, as follows:
remote oral questions, through the Teams platform (guide http://selma.unipr.it/).
Students with SLD / BSE must first contact Le Eli-che: support for students with disabilities, D.S.A., B.E.S. (https://sea.unipr.it/it/servizi/le-eli-che-supporto-studenti-con-disabilita-dsa-bes).
Other information
