Physics, statistics and computer science 3

Module Medical physics

The purpose of the Medical Physics module is to teach basic physics and mathematics with simple applications to biomedical problems. In particular, the student will have to acquire knowledge of some basic physical laws and techniques for understanding physiological, biological and medical processes and will have to learn basic concepts useful for the correct use of the equipment used in the professional field.

The course is structured, maily, in lectures and exercises/applications on the blackboard with the involvement of the students. Moreover, slides will be used to deepen some specific topics and multimedia files (video and / or audio) will be used to facilitate the understanding of some topic.

Should the circumstances require online or blended teaching, appropriate modifications to what is hereby stated may be introduced, in order to achieve the main objectives of the course.

Elementary knowledge of algebra and geometry are required: algebric calculus, basic trigonometry, geometry (calculation of areas and volumes of the main elementary geometric figures, Pythagorean theorem, relationships between angles in triangles, parallel and perpendicular lines and relative angles, etc.), ability to manipulate data (equivalences, unit change, scientific notation of numbers, etc), Cartesian coordinates.

Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD

To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on the didactic objectives and specific needs.

It is also possible to contact the referent teacher CInAP (Center for Active and Participated Integration - Services for Disabilities and / or SLD) of the Department.

Physical quantities and their measurement - Physical quantities, units and systems of measurement, dimensional equations. Functional relationships and graphic representations. Scalars and vectors. Operations between vectors.

Review of mechanics and notions of Biomechanics - Kinematics. Circular motion and harmonic motion. Momentum. Principles of dynamics. Job. Power. Power and performance. Moment. Static. Elasticity. Physiological statics. Bone fractures (general).

Review of fluids and applications in biological systems - Density. Viscosity. Hydrostatic pressure. Statics of fluids. Stevino's law. Pascal's principle. Archimedes' principle. Dynamics of ideal liquids. Bernoulli's theorem. Aneurysm and stenosis. Real liquids. Poiseuille relation. Hydraulic resistance and Reynolds number, Sphygmomanometry. Sedimentation. Centrifugation. Diffusion. Osmosis.

Thermodynamics - Temperature and heat. Temperature measurement. Thermometric scales. Clinical thermometers. Specific heat. Thermal equilibrium. State transitions. Heat transmission. Energy balance in the human body. Basal metabolic power.

Electric and magnetic phenomena - Electric charges and fields. Capacitance and capacitors. Electric current and Ohm's laws. Joule effect. Electrical phenomena in biological systems. Electromagnetism and applications.

Waves and radiations - Wave phenomena. Period and frequency. Amplitude and energy. Elastic waves and applications. Electromagnetic waves. The electromagnetic spectrum. Hints of geometric optics. Optical instrumentation and visual function. Electromagnetic radiation in medicine. Ionizing radiations.

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