- Docente: Enrico Giampieri
- Credits: 3
- SSD: PHYS-06/A
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Imaging and Radiotherapy techniques (cod. 6063)
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from Oct 19, 2026 to Dec 10, 2026
Learning outcomes
The student will acquire fundamental knowledge of classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetic phenomena, waves and oscillations and modern physics. They will learn the application of this knowledge of the phenomena of mechanic, thermodynamics and electromagnetism to biological phenomena.
The student will know the different kind of ionizing radiation and their interaction with matter, as well and the fundamental concepts of dosimetry and radioprotection, including elements of the current legislation, the X ray production and their property, and the qualitative and quantitative analysis of an X ray beam.Course contents
The course is focused on the teaching of the basic mathematical and physical notions that will be used during the subsequent courses.
The course is divided in two parts:
I-Physical basis
Physical quantities and dimensions
Mechanics, vectors and basic mathematics
Fluid Mechanics : Ideal and real fluids
Oscillations and waves
Heat and Thermodinamics with application to metabolism
Optics: Geometrical and Physical
Electricity and Magnetism
Modern Physics and radioactivity
II- Applications to Medicine with particular focus on the physiological and clinical application such as modern imaging techniques (NMR, PET, SPECT etc)
Radiations in medicine. Radiation-matter interaction, physical quantities in dosimetry. Biological effects and interaction with tissues. Biological effects of ionizing radiation and dose-effect curve for the induction of cancerogenesis.
Radiotherapy: conventional and conformational radiotherapy
Diagnostic: Physical principles of imaging diagnostic. Morfological and functional analysis.
Diagnostic by X rays, radioisotopes, ultrasounds and nuclear magnetic resonance.
Elements of health physics: Radioprotection and quality control in diagnostic radiology. Basic radioprotection legislation.
Readings/Bibliography
Lecture notes will be distributed online
Elementi di fisica in medicina e biologia, Castellani e Remondini
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures
Exercises
Assessment methods
Final written exam.
The test will consist of 22 multiple-choice questions and two open-ended questions.
Each multiple-choice question will be worth 1 point, while the open-ended questions will be worth 5 points each, for a maximum score of 32, where scores of 31 or 32 count as 30 with honors.
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.
Students with specific learning disorders or temporary or permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant University office in good time: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it . The office will be responsible for proposing any necessary accommodations to the students concerned. These accommodations must in any case be submitted, at least 15 days in advance, for approval by the instructor, who will assess their suitability also in relation to the learning objectives of the course.
Teaching tools
Frontal lectures with Slides
Office hours
See the website of Enrico Giampieri