PHS1031

Physics for the living world

(SCI)

6 points + Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour practical per week + First semester + Clayton + Prohibition: PHS1011, PHS1627, BMS1031

Synopsis: Principles of force and movement applied to skeletal structures, human movement and sport, centrifugation, oscillations, resonance, effects on living systems. Bio-electricity including nerve conduction, membrane potential, defibrillation, ECG and EEG, electrical measurements in bio-systems. 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, polarisation, with particular reference to human vision and the microscope. X-rays and nuclear radiations: effects on living matter, diagnostic and therapeutic uses.

Assessment: Examination (3 hours): 50% + Practical work: 28% + Tests/assignments 22%