SCIENZE PROPEDEUTICHE

Module FISICA APPLICATA

The aim of the course is the achievement by the student of the basic physical principles related to the propagation of elastic waves in order to understand the origin and detection of sounds by biological systems.

Referring in particular to the Dublin Descriptors, this course is intended to teach :

- Knowledge and understanding:

Knowledge of the fundamental topics of general physics (mechanics, fluid dynamics, basic electromagnetism), sound waves, and the reception of sound waves in the human biological system. Understanding of the relevant physical laws from a mathematical perspective, as well as the graphs that describe them.

- Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:

Ability to describe the main applications of a physical law or concept, as well as to draw a graph that approximately describes its quantitative behavior. Ability to interpret observation (from experiments but also from everyday experiences) involving sound waves in physical and mathematical terms.

- Making judgments:

Ability to identify the key physical quantities for each topic covered in the course. Discuss the main phenomena related to the generation, propagation, or biological reception of sound waves in a given spatial configuration.

- Communication skills:

Use of correct physical-mathematical terminology in discussing the different topics covered in the course. Ability to describe the main physical laws and concepts through examples of phenomena, observations, or practical applications.

- Learning skills:

Ability to independently delve into the study of phenomena related to sound waves, including infrasounds and ultrasounds. Ability to independently understand the main elements of a physical law, including decoding its graphical quantitative behavior.

Frontal lectures for all CFU of the module

Cooperative teaching (student-teacher) by sharing teaching materials and multimedia aids. If the course is taught in a blended or distance learning mode, the necessary variations may be introduced with respect to what has been previously stated, in order to comply with the syllabus.

Attendance at the course is normally compulsory (please refer to the Course Regulations).

Elements of General Physics: Physical quantities and their measurement. Recalls of mechanics, fluidodynamics, electrostatics and electromagnetism.

Mechanical and acoustic waves: Perturbations and wave pattern. Wave propagation law. Wave interference. Stationary waves. The sound. Propagation of sound waves. Acoustic impedance.

Sound in biological systems: Levels of sound sensation. Weber-Fechner's law. Decibel. Sensitivity curve of the human ear. The reception of elastic waves in biological systems. The phonation.

The examination consists of an oral interview on the course contents.

Criteria for the assessment:
1) relevance of the answers to the questions asked;
2) level of in-depth study of the contents exposed;
3) ability to connect with other topics covered in the programme.

The learning assessment may also be carried out online, should the conditions require it.

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

• Sound and the propagation of sound waves.
• Sound sensation and Weber-Fechner's law.
• Definition of decibel.
• Sensitivity curves of the human ear and sound perception.
• Phonation.