PHS1042

Physics for bio and environmental sciences ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr David Mills

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: Scientific imaging methods including ultrasound, infra-red and x-rays. Interactions of various radiations with living and inorganic materials and with the environment. Instrumentation: acquisition of information from detectors and the transmission, processing, display and quality of data and signals. Scientific uses of radioisotopes, lasers and electromagnetic radiations. Energy conversion and conservation, including nuclear energy and renewable energy sources.

Objectives: On completion of this unit, 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.

Assessment: Examination (3 hours): 50% + Practical work: 28% + Tests/assignments: 22% + Students must achieve a pass mark in the practical work to achieve an overall pass grade.

Contact Hours: Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour practical class per week