Learning objectives
The module of Medical Physics has been designed to convey knowledge and understanding of basic physics principles, providing an introductory basis for other disciplines including Chemistry, Biology, Physiology, Biochemistry, etc., that rely on the physical phenomenology on make frequent use of it.
The course will also provide the conceptual basis for understanding a number of major technologies that with increasing frequency are used in medicine, such as: centrifuges, endoscopes, microscopes, transducers for ultrasound equipment, laser systems, radiology equipment and NMR, radiation detectors, etc. In this sense, the module also aims to develope the students' attitude towards independent study and continuing education on the application of physical techniques to diagnosis and therapy in medicine.
As its final, but perhaps most important, goal, the course has been designed to stimulate students to become more familiar with certain common concepts, that are not always sufficiently explained in previous studies, such as: mechanical action between bodies in contact, exertion and energy in action, dynamic aspects resulting from elastic force and impact, friction and thermal and thermodynamic aspects, static and dynamic properties of gaseous and liquid fluids, light and its manifestations, also in relation to the structure of the eye and its physical defects, fundamentals of electrical, magnetic and nuclear phenomena, the laws that govern potential and current, electromagnetic and nuclear radiation, perturbations induced in means passed through and aspects of detection and control.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
The Integrated Course of Physico-Chemical Bases of Life comprises two modules: Medical Physics and Biochemistry. The contents of the modules are detailed below.
MEDICAL PHYSICS:
The course will deal with the most important aspects of basic physics, from the definition of the main physical quantities and measure systems up to the more complex content that are the basis of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy.
The course will cover the fundamental principles of mechanics, fluid dynamics, electromagnetism, thermology, waves and optics.
Applications and consequences on human body physiology and medicine will be stressed. In particular, deeper insights will be provided into biomechanics, blood circulation, the use of radiations in diagnosis and therapy.
BIOCHEMISTRY:
INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY
ATOMIC STRUCTURE
THE PERIODIC TABLE
CHEMICAL BONDING
NAMING AND WRITING FORMULAS FOR CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS
REDOX REACTIONS
SOLUTIONS
CHEMICAL KINETICS
CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM
ACIDS AND BASES
WATER SELF-IONIZATION AND pH
BUFFER SOLUTIONS
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Full programme
As specified in the Medical Physics and Biochemistry modules description.
Bibliography
Medical Physics:
Classroom notes.
Bacchetta-Scannicchio, Introduction to Medical Physics (CEA-Casa Editrice Ambrosiana).
Teaching methods
Lectures will be held on-site in compliance with safety standards. Supporting material will be available on the specific, student-reserved platform (Elly) and will include slide presentations, audio-video aids or video-recording of the lectures.
MEDICAL PHYSICS:
During lectures, the topics contained in the program of the module will be illustrated and commented. Emphasis will be posed on the applications to biology and medicine of basic physics principles, with examples of how such principles can lead to quantitative predictions on
physiological and pathological phenomena. In selected cases, the demonstration of basic physics principles will be illustrated, with the aim to introduce the students to the practice of logical thinking and experimental approach.
Assessment methods and criteria
The achievement of the goals of the Integrated Course will be assessed through oral or written tests, as specified for each Module, mainly consisting in open questions. The written examination will include the resolution of problems, to assess the achievement of the ability to apply the acquired knowledge to a simulated biological or medical situation. In this way, it will be possible to assess the students' knowledge and understanding, and the capability to apply the acquired knowledge, about Medical Physics and Biochemistry.
All parts of the written exam will be equally weighted in the final evaluation (in thirtieths).
The final mark, reported directly on Esse3, will correspond to the arithmetic average of the assessments obtained in the written test.
Students with disabilities, SLD, BSE must first contact Centro Accoglienza ed Inclusione (CAI) (https://cai.unipr.it/) for support.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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