FISICA MEDICA P - Z

There will be lectures and examples of application on specific topics. The knowledge provided to the student enables him / her to tackle the more specific courses of the study plan; particular importance is given to the contribution of physics to the applications in the biomedical field contained in the program. At the end of the course, the student will have learned the fundamental elements of the experimental method, the basic physical laws and will have had the opportunity to know different applications of the same in fields related to the course of study. The formal correctness in the presentation of the topics covered is taken into particular consideration, in the context of the mathematical knowledge acquired by the student in previous courses.
We intend to pursue the following training objectives:

• to increase knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of physics;
• increase the applicative skills relating to methodological and instrumental procedures also useful for research in the biological field;
• stimulate the logical-deductive capacity.

Frontal lectures and numerical examples on specific topics.

Basic knowledge of mathematical analysis, geometry and trigonometry. 

Mandatory.

INTRODUCTION (2h). Physical quantities. Units of measurement. Significant digits. Measurement error. Scalar quantities and vector quantities. Operations with vectors. Components of a vector.

MECHANICS (8h). One-dimensional motions. Motions of plans. Tangential and radial acceleration in a plane motion. Laws of dynamics. Examples of forces. Motion of rigid bodies. Moment of a force. Vector product. Barycentre. Equilibrium conditions. Levers. Static and dynamic friction. Dynamics of circular motion. Centrifugal force. Statics of joints. Examples of physiological levers. Hooke's law and Young's modulus. Fractures. Work. Kinetic energy theorem. Conservative and non-conservative forces. Potential energy. Conservation of total mechanical energy. Moment of inertia and rotational energy. Momentum. Impulse theorem. Elastic and inelastic shocks.

FLUID MECHANICS (8h). Density and pressure in fluids. Stevin's law. Pascal's principle. Suckers. Archimedes' principle and buoyancy of bodies. Reach. Continuity equation. Bernoulli's theorem. Viscous fluids. Motion in laminar regime. Poiseuille's law. Motorcycle in turbulent regime. Stokes' law. Viscous drag. Centrifuging. Cohesion. Surface tension. Laplace's law. Flotation. Application of the continuity equation to the hydrodynamic circuit of blood. Blood viscosity. Work and heart power. Pressure changes in the blood circuit. Aneurysm and stenosis. Sphygmomanometer. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, centrifugation.

THERMODYNAMICS (8h). Thermometers and temperature scales, thermal expansion of solids and liquids. Ideal gases. Elements of kinetic theory of gases. Warmth and work. Specific heat. Latent heat and phase changes. Heat conduction. Convection. Radiation. Internal energy. First law of thermodynamics. Thermoregulation. Metabolism. Second Law of Thermodynamics (outline). Molecular diffusion. Osmotic pressure (outline).

ELECTROMAGNETISM (8h). Charge. Coulomb's law. Electric field. Field of an electric dipole. Uniform electric field. Electric potential. Capacity. Capacitors. Effect of dielectrics. Electric current. Ohm's law. Power dissipation and Joule effect. Resistors in series and in parallel. Electromotive force. RC circuit and pacemaker. Bioelectric phenomena. Action potential. Propagation of nerve impulses. Magnetic fields. Force acting on a charge. Solenoid. Electromagnetic induction. Faraday's law. AC generator. Transformer. Defibrillator. Effects of current. Nuclear magnetic resonance

WAVES AND OPTICS (8h). Wave phenomena. Waves. Ultrasound and applications. Spectrum of electromagnetic waves. Effects on human health. Polarization. Law of Malus. Lasers and applications. Light reflection. Refraction of light. Snell's law. Light scattering. Total internal reflection. Optical fibers and endoscopes. Image formations from mirrors and lenses. Optical microscope.

1.   D. Scannicchio, E. Giroletti, "Elementi di Fisica Biomedica", EdiSES

2.   D. Halliday, R. Resnick, J. Walker, "Fundamentals of Physics", Twelfth edition, Wiley

3.   P. G. Hewitt, "Conceptual Physics", Global Edition, 13th edition, Pearson

The exam consists of an oral test. The oral exam is used to verify the knowledge, understanding and exposure of the topics covered during the lessons.  The verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, if conditions require it.

Information for students with disabilities and/or DSA.

To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students can request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on the educational objectives and specific needs.It is also possible to contact the CInAP reference teacher (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or DSA) of our Department, Prof. Santina Chiechio.

The questions below are not an exhaustive list but are just a few examples.

Equilibrium conditions.

Examples of physiological levers.

Hooke's law and Young's modulus.

Energy conservation.

Stevin's law. 

Continuity equation and applications.

Bernoulli's theorem and applications.

Poiseuille's law. 

Thermometers and thermal expansion.

Latent heat and phase changes. 

Thermoregulation.

Coulomb's law.

Electric field and potential Ohm's law.

Action potential.

Alternating current generator.

Ultrasonic and applications.

Spectrum of electromagnetic waves.

Total internal reflection.