PRINCIPLES OF COMPUTER SCIENCE MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICS APPLIED TO BIOTECHNOLOGY 2

Module PHYSICS APPLIED TO BIOTECHNOLOGY

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main goal is for students to consciously acquire the descriptive and predictive capabilities of physics applied to phenomena in biological systems, considering the knowledge required for the continuation of their degree program. The student should:

• Be able to appropriately apply the concepts related to physical quantities and dimensional analysis;
• Be able to apply vector calculus in solving physical problems in the biomedical field;
• Be able to solve questions related to kinematics, statics, and dynamics of a material point;
• Be able to apply the knowledge of fluid statics and fluid dynamics to real problems in the biomedical field;
• Be able to apply fundamental concepts of thermology;
• Be able to apply fundamental concepts of acoustics;
• Be able to apply fundamental concepts related to electromagnetism.

Lectures and guided exercises will enable students to acquire the skills needed both to understand and interpret physical laws from a phenomenological and dimensional perspective, and to scientifically and quantitatively approach the resolution of simple problems in this field.

Additionally, with reference to the so-called Dublin Descriptors, this course contributes to acquiring the following transversal skills:

Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding:

Develop the ability to frame and understand basic concepts of physics and to recognize, use, and apply them in real-world situations.

Autonomy of Judgment:

Be capable of framing a problem and independently developing solutions.

Communication Skills:

Acquire the necessary communication skills and appropriate expressiveness in the use of technical and scientific language.

Learning Skills:

Acquire the necessary knowledge and theoretical methodologies to tackle, study, and understand the underlying principles of various methodologies and situations that the student will encounter in their professional work.

The Physics course includes 42 hours of classroom lectures covering all course topics. The teaching method is generally the one most suited to teaching Applied Physics for the Biotechnology degree program. Specifically, lectures will be conducted with the aid of slides. There will also be moments of brainstorming (mainly for solving exercises provided by the instructor) and flipped-classroom activities, where students will be directly involved in explaining or illustrating exercises or theoretical topics.

In the event that the course is taught in a mixed or remote mode, necessary adjustments may be made to the previously stated details in order to comply with the planned syllabus.

Information for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Difficulties: To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, interested students can request a personal meeting to arrange any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students may also contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Difficulties) representative in the department.

Mathematical Foundations Required: Elementary algebra. Euclidean geometry. Basic trigonometry. Use of scientific notation. First and second-degree equations. Concept of derivative and integral (high school level).

As per the University didactic Regulation.

INTRODUCTION: Physical quantities, units and measurement systems, significant figures, measurement error. Functional relationships and graphical representations. Scalar and vector quantities, vector operations, vector components.

MECHANICS: One-dimensional motion. Planar motion. Tangential and radial acceleration in planar motion. Laws of dynamics. Weight force and elastic force. Motion of rigid bodies. Torque. Center of mass. Conditions of equilibrium. 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. Bone fractures. Work. Kinetic energy theorem. Conservative and non-conservative forces. Potential energy. Conservation of total mechanical energy. Moment of inertia and rotational energy. Linear momentum.

FLUID MECHANICS: Density and pressure in fluids. Ideal and real fluids. Stevin’s law. Pascal’s principle. Suction cups. Archimedes’ principle and buoyancy. Flow rate. Continuity equation. Application of the continuity equation to the hydrodynamic circuit of blood. Bernoulli’s theorem. Aneurysm and stenosis. Viscous fluids. Laminar flow. Poiseuille’s law. Blood viscosity. Pressure variations in the circulatory system. Turbulent flow. Sphygmomanometer. Stokes’ law. Viscous drag. Centrifugation. Cohesion. Surface tension. Laplace’s law.

THERMODYNAMICS: Thermometers and temperature scales, linear and volumetric thermal expansion of solids and liquids. Ideal gases. Introduction to kinetic theory of gases. Heat and work. Heat capacity and specific heat. Latent heat and phase transitions. Heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation. First law of thermodynamics. Thermoregulation. Metabolism. Second law of thermodynamics (introduction). Molecular diffusion. Osmotic pressure (introduction).

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

WAVES AND OPTICS: Wave phenomena. Longitudinal and transverse waves. Period and frequency. Amplitude and energy. Mechanical waves: sound waves, sound pressure and decibels, ultrasounds and applications. Electromagnetic waves: electromagnetic spectrum, effects on human health, polarization, Malus’ law, lasers and applications. Reflection of light. Refraction of light. Snell’s law. Dispersion of light. Total internal reflection. Optical fibers and endoscopes. Image formation by mirrors and lenses. Optical microscope.

1. A. Giambattista - Physics - V edition (2020) McGraw-Hill

2. D. Halliday, R. Resnick, J. Walker - Fondamenti di Fisica – XII edition (2022) Wiley

The exam consists of a written test and an optional oral exam.

The written test will include a series of multiple-choice questions, the resolution of some problems, and an open-ended question. The purpose of the test is to assess the understanding of the topics covered during the course and the ability to apply the acquired knowledge by identifying the most appropriate problem-solving strategies.

The evaluation of the written test will consider the problem-solving approach, the accuracy of numerical calculations, and the arguments supporting the procedure followed.

The assessment may also be conducted online if conditions necessitate it.

The questions listed below do not constitute a comprehensive list but represent only some examples:
Units of measurement and conversions

Scientific notation

Newton’s laws.

Forces and their treatment. Force diagrams

Statics and examples of levers

Energy and work

Archimedes’ principle – Buoyancy and sinking

Stevin’s law and hydrostatic pressure

Measuring blood pressure

Bernoulli’s theorem

Mechanical waves and applications

Electromagnetic spectrum

Applications of

electromagnetic radiation in the biomedical field

Latent heat,

thermal capacity, and specific heat

Series and parallel circuits

Differences and

similarities between mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves