Learning objectives
The module of "Applied Physics II" is part of the Integrated Course
of Propedeutical Sciences I. The module has been
designed to convey knowledge and understanding of basic physics
principles, providing an introductory basis for other disciplines including
Physiology, Audiology, Biochemistry, etc., 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 medicine. 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 relevant to their studies and future professional expertise.
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, 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
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Course unit content
The module of "Applied Physics II" 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 - Wave theory of 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 - Electrical capacity and capacitor - Current intensity - Overview of the electronic structure of insulators, metallic conductors and semiconductors - Ohm’s laws - 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 - Biot-Savart law - Ampere’s theorem of circulation - Solenoid - 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 and radiological
image - Overview of computerised axial tomography (CAT) and radiofrequency (NMR) imaging techniques- Overview of radiation safety.
Bibliography
Classroom notes.
Scannicchio: Fisica Biomedica,
Ed. EdiSES (Napoli).
Lascialfari, Borsa, Gueli: Principi di Fisica per indirizzo biomedico e farmaceutico, Ed. EdiSES (Napoli).
Bersani, Bettati, Biagi, Capozzi, Feroci, Lepore, Mita, Ortalli, Roberti, Viglino, Vitturi:
Elementi di Fisica, Ed. Piccin Nuova Libraria (Padova).
Giambattista, McCarthy Richardson, Richardson: Fisica Generale, Ed. McGraw-Hill (Milano).
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.
Assessment methods and criteria
The achievement of the objectives of the modules "Applied Physics I" and "Applied Physics II" will be assessed through a written exam,
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.
All parts of the written exam will be equally weighted in the final evaluation.
Other information
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