PHS1042

Physics for bio- and environmental sciences

Dr Don Hutton

6 points - Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour practical class per week - Second semester - Clayton - Prerequisite: None, PHS1031 or VCE Year 11 Physics advisable - Prohibition: PHS1022, PHS1616

Objectives On successful completion of this subject students should be able to understand a broad range of applications in environmental, biological, biomedical and earth science contexts which depend on physics; explain and apply relevant principles for these contexts in the areas of energy and the environment, scientific instrumentation, imaging systems including infra-red, optical, ultrasound, x-ray, PET, magentic resonance and computed tomography; demonstrate an increased understanding of energy conversion, behaviour of waves, how instruments extend knowledge of body and environment systems, and the interaction of various forms of radiations with the body, biological and environment systems; develop simple pysical models and apply these to problem solving; carry out reliable experiments, analyse and interpret data, and present scientific information in written reports and posters.

Synopsis This subject takes a wide range of applications in biological, biomedical and environmental contexts in order to develop an understanding of important physical principles and associated instrumentation used in these contexts. Scientific imaging methods will be one theme of the subject inlcuding widely used methods such as ultrasound, infra-red, x-rays and gamma-rays, and computed tomography, as well as specialised methods of medical imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography. In order to appreciate the efficacy and the risks of these methods, students will acquire knowledge of interactions of various radiations (such as IR, UV, or x-rays) with living and inorganic materials and with the environment. This knowledge, coupled with basic principles of electronics, will be used to understand the operation of scientific instruments, which forms a second theme. This will cover acquisition of information from detectors, the transmission, processing, display and quality of data and signals. The scientific and medical uses of radioisotopes, lasers and electromagnetic radiations builds on the knowledge of radiation-matter interactions. A third theme is energy conversion and conservation, which will examine various options including nuclear energy and renewable energy sources, providing a physical basis for evaluating the environmental impact of those options. Introductory materials are provided for students without prior physics background. Experimental and problem solving exercises across a broad range of topics related to imaging, instrumentation, energy conversion and interaction of energy with matter, ensure that all students have opportunity for in-depth understanding.

Assessment Examinations (2x2 hours): 60% - Practical work: 25% - Tests/assignments/project: 15%

Prescribed texts

Kane J W and Sternheim M M Physics 3rd edn, Wiley, 1988

Back to the 1999 Science Handbook