PHS1031 - Physics for the living world - 2017

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Science

Organisational Unit

School of Physics and Astronomy

Coordinator(s)

Professor Kristian Helmerson

Unit guides

Offered

Clayton

  • First semester 2017 (Day)

Synopsis

Principles of force and movement applied to skeletal structures, human movement and sport, centrifugation, oscillations, effects on living systems. Bio-electricity including nerve conduction, membrane potential, defibrillation, ECG , 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 useful materials, 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.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Explain and apply relevant physics principles to human, biomedical and biosphere contexts;
  2. Describe and model situations involving body systems, forces and materials for support and movement, heat and energy transport, electrical behaviour, basic electrical measurements, optical systems and instruments;
  3. Develop simple physical models and apply these to problem solving;
  4. Carry out reliable measurements, analyse data, estimate uncertainties, interpret physical phenomena and present scientific information in written reports.

Assessment

Examination (3 hours): 50%

Practical work: 28%

Tests/assignments 22%

Hurdle requirement: Students must achieve a pass mark

in the practical work to achieve an overall pass grade.

Workload requirements

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

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Prohibitions