03281 - Medical Physics

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to accurately describe physical phenomena by rigorously applying the scientific method; analyzing instrumental procedures, error analysis, and mathematical formulations in the field of physics, ranging from mechanical to thermal, electromagnetic, optical, and nuclear aspects, while referencing the relevant laws and describing the operating conditions of biological interest.

Course contents

• Physical quantities and units of measurement
• Kinematics (laws of motion): position, velocity and acceleration
• Forces and the principles of dynamics (Newton's laws)
• Uniform circular motion, centripetal and centrifugal force
  
• Levers and torque
  
• Work and energy: potential energy, kinetic energy and conservation of mechanical energy
  
• Pressure
  
• Fluids: density and pressure, Stevin's law, Pascal's principle, Archimedes' thrust
  
• Fluid dynamics: flow rate, Bernoulli's theorem, real fluids
  
• Thermodynamics: heat, heat capacity, heat transfer
  
• Waves
  
• Electromagnetism: the atom and electric charge, electrostatic force, electric potential energy and electric potential, electric current, resistance and Ohm's law
  
• Radiation.

Readings/Bibliography

- Elementi di Fisica nelle Scienze Motorie, M. Gombia, N. Lanconelli.

- Fisica applicata alle scienze mediche, G.M. Contessa, G.A. Marzo, Casa editrice ambrosiana, 2019.

- Elementi di Fisica in medicina e biologia, G. Castellani D. Remondini, Bononia University Press, 2014.

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures.

Assessment methods

Learning assessment takes place through a final exam that evaluates the acquisition of the required knowledge and skills via a written multiple-choice test.

 

The test consists of 11 theoretical exercises/questions. Each question has 4 answer choices, only one of which is correct.

Each correct answer is worth 3 points.

There are no penalties for incorrect or missing answers.

Students who score at least 18 points pass the test. The score obtained, if greater than or equal to 18, corresponds to the grade for the Medical Physics module. A score of 33/33 earns honors. This grade will be averaged (weighted by the number of CFU credits) with the partial grades obtained in the other modules of the integrated course.

The test lasts 30 minutes.

The use of a scientific calculator is permitted and recommended, while the use of notes or books is not allowed. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops are not permitted.

 

If the number of students registered for the exam session is very low (≤3), the exam may be conducted as a brief oral interview with questions similar to those on a written test.

Teaching tools

Slides presented during the frontal lectures, available on Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Durazzi