Physics, statistics and computer science 4

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. Furthermore, in reference to the Dublin regulation, this course will allow to acquire the following transversal skills:

Applying knowledge and understanding:

Being able to develop the ability to comprehend, identify, use and apply and use the basic concepts of Physics 

Making judgments:

Being able to correctly identify the problem and autonomously elaborate a possible solution.

Communication skills:

Acquire both the necessary communication and language skills, along with the proper scientific lexicon.

Learning skills:

Acquire the theoretical knowledge necessary to be able to face, study and comprehend the various methodologies and possible situations that the students have to face in their future work

Lectures and classroom exercises.

If the teaching is taught in mixed or remote mode, the necessary variations may be introduced with respect to what was previously declared, in order to respect the planned program and reported in the syllabus.

Elementary knowledge of algebra and geometry is required: algebraic 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, changing units of measurement, scientific notation of numbers, etc.), Cartesian coordinates.

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. Electrical phenomena in biological systems. Electromagnetism and applications.

Multiple choice and open-ended tests

Passing the written exam with a minimum grade of 18/30 gives access to the oral exam. You can also choose to confirm the grade of the paper.

Verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, should conditions require it.

For students with disabilities and/or SLD: to ensure equal opportunities to the students and in compliance with current regulations, 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 office of the department.

Examples of frequently asked questions and/or exercises

The questions below do not constitute an exhaustive list but represent just some examples:

·      Newton's principles. Forces and their treatment. Force diagrams

·      Conservative forces.

·      Energy and Work.

·      Archimedes' principle – Floating and sinking.

·      Stevino's law and hydrostatic pressure.

·      Pascal's principle and hydraulic press.

·      Bernoulli's theorem and its proof.

·      Thermal Machines: their efficiency; Carnot cycle; 2nd law of thermodynamics.

·      1st and 2nd principles of thermodynamics. Internal energy.

·      Latent heat, heat capacity and specific heat

Minimum knowledge required to pass the exam:

you need to know the following: 

• Various definitions well and understand the physical meaning of things;
• How to connect topics and highlight any parallels (examples: various forms of Newton's second law, electric field vs magnetic field, etc.).
• How to recognize (and manipulate) scalar and vector quantities. Know how to switch from one unit of measurement to another.
•  How to graphically represent phenomena (examples: motion of bodies, construction of images with mirrors and lenses, state transformations, ...)
• Understand the basic physics of the main biomedical techniques analyzed during the Course