PHS1031

Physics for the living world

(SCI)

Dr Don Hutton

6 points + Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour practical per week + First semester + Clayton + Prohibition: PHS1011, PHS1627

Synopsis: Principles of force and movement applied to skeletal structures, scaling of sizes, human movement and sport, centrifugation, oscillations, resonance and effects on living systems. Bio-electricity including nerve conduction, membrane potential, defibrillation, ECG and EEG and standard methods of electrical measurements suited to bio-systems. Energy systems and the body. Energy production and transport, pressure, diffusion and osmosis. Fluid flow and the cardiovascular system and heat flow in the body. Optical properties of biological and optically useful materials to refraction, reflection and polarisation, with particular reference to human vision and the microscope.

Assessment: Examinations (2 x 2 hours): 60% + Practical work: 25% + Tests/assignments 15%